It was a series of musical chairs that brought together the three Canadians and an Englishman of Canadian reach that play on this album. MacDonald had been a guest with the Maritime Jazz Orchestra and with Azimuth both of which contain pianist John Taylor. The two have played with drummer Terry Clarke and bassist Neil Swainson while on the road. A logical extension would be an album, and here it is.

The compositions are well defined and the delights many. Taylor is captivating, his rhythmic excursions dancing flexibly, bringing in ringing, sparkling tones. He delves into the nooks, scooping out the provocative turns of phrase that he then turns around to articulate a rich phrase. In a flowing supply of effervescence, his turn on the Kenny Wheeler tune "?PM" stands as the sentinel. MacDonald likes to curl and convolute but when it comes to ballad time, which "New Piece" is, he is warmly coaxing as he voices the changes effectively. Swainson contributes the lyrical "Scene In Passing", a theme that is perfect for the quartet to charge with liquid fire. This is music that leaves a glow.

Jerry D'Souza

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