Possibilities

Album Review

On his third Double-Time release, alto saxophonist Jon Gordon is joined by a particularly stellar lineup: guitarist John Scofield, pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Bill Stewart. After opening with Scofield's agitated, vamp-based "Camp Out" and continuing with a ballad reading of "I Should Care," the group presents three solid Gordon originals in a row, all with one-word titles: "Paradox," "Riddle," and the classically influenced "Contemplation." (This last features Hays in an unaccompanied performance.) Gordon then proceeds with Anthony Newley's "Pure Imagination" (arranged by Mark Turner), Coltrane's "Moment's Notice" (featuring only piano, alto, and drums), and Monk's "Misterioso," before closing on soprano sax with a meditative Bill Stewart composition titled "Soul's Harbor." Gordon's alto playing is strong and versatile throughout, and his arranging choices are often surprising. Hays and Scofield don't appear together on every track, which keeps the program varied. ~ David R. Adler, Rovi