Lemon Lips

Another tight effort by saxophonist Larry Schneider, who co-leads a swinging quartet with pianist Gaspare Di Lieto through a mixture of standards and original tunes. As opposed to some of his previous efforts, this one is a retrenchment of sorts, a summary of where the saxophonist has gone before. Schneider shows his ability to negotiate his big, round tone in a variety of tempos and settings. He is most effective on soprano, where his juicy, muscular sound takes him through mainstream paths not generally pursued by others on the instrument. His version of "My One and Only Love" would make Coltrane proud. Still, this is a largely unremarkable session, notwithstanding the fine blowing all around. The rhythm section, including co-leader Di Lieto, provides competent support and more than adequate soloing. The best tunes are the recognizable ones. The opening "Days of Wine and Roses," for example, with its surprisingly effective a capella introduction by Schneider on soprano, is a highlight. Most of the tracks are more than ten minutes in length, allowing plenty of stretching by all the musicians. There are no fireworks, but simply good, focused jazz, the sort usually best heard live in the nightclub setting. A fine job that probably will not attract lots of attention, but should satisfy those who enjoy the quality, swinging music that Schneider has come to represent.