Wingspan in Bloomington, MN

Guitarist
Tom Guarna
's third
Steeplechase
CD has a different mix of instruments and personnel from his first two sessions for the label. The leader's fluid style is complemented by the powerful saxophonist
Joel Frahm
(who doubles on tenor and soprano) joining him in the front line, with bassist
Paul Gill
and drummer
Willie Jones III
providing a solid rhythm section.
Guarna
's unaccompanied treatment of
"I Should Care"
is a lyrical gem, while the group's extended workout of
"I'll Take Romance"
is a breezy delight, adding a long, inventive coda before wrapping it. The quartet's interpretation of guitarist
Billy Bauer
's
"Marionette"
(likely the best-known composition by the late student of
Lennie Tristano
) features
Frahm
on soprano in an intricate, swinging interpretation.
's reworking of
Miles Davis
'
"Half Nelson"
gives it a facelift, with a new time signature and a Latin undercurrent. The band's dash through
Walter Norris
' challenging
"Scramble"
is yet another treat.
's two originals, the lively bop vehicle
"Wingspan"
and the mellow
"The Long,"
nicely round out this enjoyable date. ~ Ken Dryden