ProJazz.net

“Drummer Barry Altschul leads a particularly interesting quartet on this date (reissued on CD) that also includes trumpeter Enrico Rava, John Surman on baritone and soprano, and bassist Mark Helias. The music (three Altschul originals, a song apiece from Helias and Ray Anderson, plus Fats Waller’s “Jitterbug Waltz”) finds the pianoless group sounding halfway between the Gerry Mulligan/Chet Baker Quartet and the late-’50s Ornette Coleman/Don Cherry group. Among the highlights are Anderson’s “Tap-A-Jack,” Altschul’s “Da Baron’s Blues,” and Helias’ humorous “Le Tango.” The advanced and passionate solos (Rava sounds much more high-powered than normal) and the close communication between the four highly individual improvisers make this a notable and highly recommended release.” – Scott Yanow/AllMusic.

Track listing:

1 Tap-A-Jack (Ray Anderson) 7:56
2 Irina (Barry Altschul) 7:12
3 Da Baron’s Blues (Barry Altschul) 8:17
4 Sips (Barry Altschul) 6:14
5 Le Tango (Mark Helias) 7:42
6 Jitterbug Waltz (Richard Maltby, Jr. / Fats Waller9) :11

Personnel:
John Surman – baritone saxophone, Soprano saxophone
Mark Helias – bass
Barry Altschul – drums
Enrico Rava – trumpet, flugelhorn

___________________________________

Label: Soul Note ‎– SN 1065
Country: Italy
Released: 1983
Recorded: February 12, 1983Jazz
Recording Location: Barigozzi Studios, Milano, Italy