Post-War Euphoria

With a front line of outstanding horns, talented saxophonist Rob Reddy leads a sextet (Rob Reddy's Honor System) through nine euphoric, well-arranged tracks, with soloists interspersed among highly entertaining arranged sections. The joyous, upbeat nature of the music lays the backdrop for cleverly articulated pieces that swing as much as much as they probe. Trombonist Josh Roseman and electric guitarist Jef Lee Johnson are the most effective of the soloists, but trumpeter Eddie E.J. Allen and leader Reddy (on both soprano and alto saxophones) also make substantive contributions. As usual, drummer Pheeroan Aklaff pushes the band intensely. The distinguishing characteristic of this recording, though, is the wild and circus-like tunes, which work more often than not.