Open Ideas

All-star collaborations are a common part of a jazz landscape where everyone loves to jam with everyone else, but spirited ensemble projects can also arise from guys who aren't household names but who have deep resumés. The raw and real jam session here is put together by three such veterans with intense pedigrees. Each member of this trio goes back to the '60s and even beyond. Saxophonist Oliver Lake bites a lot like Maceo Parker and has played with legends like Julius Hemphill and Charles "Bobo" Shaw; he was also a founding member of the World Saxophone Quartet. Bassist Reggie Workman was briefly a member of John Coltrane's unit, then joined Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers and also worked in the '60s with Yusef Lateef and Thelonious Monk. Drummer Andrew Cyrille's resumé boasts Cecil Taylor and Coleman Hawkins. Together...well, they just have a blast doing takes with what appears like no overdubbing. They have a sense of humor, too, as the opening track, "Casino," features a colorful character-sketch rap over a seductive blues march vibe. "Hooray for Herbie" is typical of fast-paced bebop fare, with a honking sax weaving in and out above intense hi-hatting and throbbing upright bass. Not every tune has a strong focus, as the title track almost seems like an avant-garde experiment searching for a slight melody halfway through.