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# By Eric Harabadian The woodwind and guitar team of Jonathan Ball and Matthew Finck has been an industrious and well respected presence on the New York jazz scene for a number of years. On this, their debut CD, they collaborate with a strong rhythm core in drummer Adam Nussbaum and bassist Jay Anderson. The addition of Randy Brecker on three tracks certainly sweetens the proceedings considerably. This is an album that recalls a lot of those great 60s Blue Note sides; well structured playing, a nice mix of stylistic approaches, cool and relaxed changes and a pervasive warmth to the production that is lively and magnetic. Save for Jerome Kerns The Way You Look Tonight all material was written by Ball and Finck. From the manner in which the tracks are sequenced-providing equal time for each leader as composersto the empathy and dialogue they share between them; this is an impressive release. The title track is a Ball composition and features him front and center on full-bodied tenor sax. He locks in perfectly with Finck on elastic and snaky lines that frame an angular melody. Nussbaum and Andersons samba-esque rhythms provide a strong foundation. Fincks Gentle Soul is just as one might expect; smooth as silk. Breckers entrance on trumpet adds a laid back Jazz Messengers vibe. The horns are sharp and on point, and Fincks solos are very lyrical and effective. Balls robust tenor is clear and incisive on his own Levins Impression. Its especially noteworthy the way the group navigates dynamics and provides Fincks guitar space to really develop and flourish. I Thought You Had Gone is another joint venture where the guitar and sax are tightly bound at the melody. It gives a lot of weight to the piece. Subtle Metheny-styled rock chording by Finck meshes nicely with the tunes rootsy gospel-like approach. Balls Conundrum

is, yet, another inventive composed structure. The piece alternates between a kind of mid-tempo funk and then picks up the pace to a brisk swing for the solos. East 86th is a decidedly urban sounding tune where a lazy and languid swing meets a pleasant melody for a midnight stroll. It is a Finck original and features one of his strongest performances. Balls Geppetto turns the tables and picks up the energy. Anderson fires out of the gate, with something to prove, fueling a strong rhythmic core. It becomes an open free for all pitting the saxophonist to musically spar with Brecker. The albums sole standard The Way You Look Tonight is a good choice in the hands of these master players. They add a tasty Brazilian feel where the songs original romantic intent is further explored. The exclamatory Get Up! wraps things on a high note; the mood is up-tempo, the structure is swing and the bands passion is relentless. This is a truly special and remarkably talented group.