Still Smokin' (Live)

Ian Hendrickson-Smith, a native of New Orleans, is one of many young boppers to emerge on the jazz scene at the turn of the 21st century. With his second CD for Sharp Nine, recorded live at the tiny Upper West Side nightclub Smoke, the alto saxophonist leads a quartet with a rhythm section stocked with one of New York's most in-demand sideman: pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Strasser. The selections include a mix of standards, jazz compositions, and a pair of originals by Hendrickson-Smith, along with another by Hazeltine. His loping interpretation of "I Wish You Love" swings without pretense, allowing plenty of space for Hazeltine. The alto saxophonist's ability to handle ballads is established in his lush treatment of "Memories of You." "Love for Sale" adds trumpeter Ryan Kisor as a foil for the leader, alternating between a swirling Latin setting and smoking up-tempo hard bop. Kisor is also on hand for Hendrickson-Smith's funky blues "Jacob's Crib" and the smoldering "Sparrow's Flight," the latter of which adds veteran Peter Bernstein's tasty guitar. Hazeltine's brisk "Ian's Bossa" was written especially for the leader, who romps through it with obvious delight. Hendrickson-Smith switches to flute for a moving take of "I Can't Get Started." Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" is so often played at dramatically slow tempos that the alto saxophonist's upbeat chart is a breath of fresh air, along with his playful insertion of a quote from "Bye Bye, Blackbird." The full sextet signs off with a brief but cooking take of Kenny Dorham's "San Francisco Beat," in which the leader introduces the musicians. This is a fine sophomore effort by a very promising player.