Larry Schneider

A solid mainstream quartet date by tenor saxophonist Larry Schneider, featuring Andy LaVerne on piano, Steve LaSpina on bass, and Matt Wilson on drums. The date begins unassumingly, with the melody of "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" stated in nonchalant half-time. It doesn't take Schneider long to start tearing up the changes, exhibiting a tough, modern tone that brings to mind more famous players like Dave Liebman and Bob Berg. The group then explores "Old Folks" at a rubato pace, ultimately agreeing on a ballad tempo, then yielding the floor to Schneider for a well-earned cadenza. The program goes on to include a fierce bossa rendition of "Star Eyes" with a modal vamp inserted into the form, an unusually bright "Israel," and two crisp LaVerne originals: "Inner Voice" and "Portrait of Dorian Mode" (the latter patterned after "How Deep Is the Ocean"). Recommended. ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide