Donny McCaslin's Trio For The Ages On His "Recommended Tools"

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin is a well-versed jazzman who isn't afraid to partake in some stylistic somersaults in the kind of experimentalism that leads to that far out place that shimmers just beyond the horizon. On his latest recording, Recommended Tools (Greenleaf Music), McCaslin chooses a trio formation for the first time and delivers a dynamic set that really is, as the press release boasts, reminiscent of the classic trios of Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson. At times rambunctious, other times laid back and cool, McCaslin's distinct tenor is always conversational no matter what the context and there's great chemistry in the room. Jonathan Blake's drum work is snappy -- crisp rolls and precise interplay -- while the bass adds depth in the hands of Hans Glawischnig. There are great improvisational solos that seem to build and expand in every direction to then naturally flow back in sync with the rest of the band. This is one of those great rummaging, probing, jazz albums that has all the makings of a timeless affair.