"Desert Flower" LeTo Records 2013

Lenny Sendersky alto/soprano sax Tony Romano guitar Steve LaSpina bass Matt Kane drums

featuring : Randy Brecker trumpet Joe Locke vibraphone Cleve Douglass vocal

Because Tony Romano is an unusually sensitive and responsive accompanist, his strong profile as a soloist (on both acoustic and electric guitars) and a

"Desert Flower" LeTo Records 2013

Lenny Sendersky alto/soprano sax Tony Romano guitar Steve LaSpina bass Matt Kane drums

featuring : Randy Brecker trumpet Joe Locke vibraphone Cleve Douglass vocal

Because Tony Romano is an unusually sensitive and responsive accompanist, his strong profile as a soloist (on both acoustic and electric guitars) and a composer of sophisticated yet accessible tunes does consistently get the appreciation it deserves. This disc surely will correct that situation, as well as remind jazz fans of alto/soprano sax master Lenny Sendersky's flexible lyricism as an improvisor, and his gift for penning deceptively simple yet edgier-than-they-appear tunes. Both musicians are abetted by Steve LaSpina's seasoned support (those deliciously rubbery Ron Carter-like long notes!) and drummer Matt Kane's busy yet totally unobtrusive polyrhythmic aplomb. Vibraphonist Joe Locke's colorful, discreet constributions blend well on three tracks, while Randy Brecker's familiar trumpet work (on Horizons and Sophie) has lost nothing in melodic focus and tonal warmth over the years. Cleve Douglass' timbre, timing and willingness to take chances has considerably evolved over the two decades since we recorded Duke Ellington Boulevard together, and his two guest tracks (My Father's Island and Nature Boy) whet the appetite for a long belated new solo disc from this beautiful, undervalued singer. While the engineering is overly close and spotlit for my taste (I'd prefer more group blend and room tone, given the musicians' chamber-like interplay), the variety in programming and mood add up to a rewarding listening experience. Highly recommended.