Andy Fusco Quintet - Out Of The Dark

This is a fun and often heated blowing date featuring a strong quintet of New York-based musicians. Altoist Andy Fusco and trumpeter Joe Magnarelli make for a mutually inspiring front line, while pianist Joel Weiskopf leads a strong rhythm section. They stretch out on four standards, Walt Weiskopf's "Out of the Dark," and four group originals. The musicians invigorate straight-ahead jazz, playing with spirit and creativity. It may not be overly innovative, but it is also never dull, with Fusco's Jackie McLean-inspired alto really pushing the group to play at its most passionate. Recommended.

Out of the Dark Review by Scott Yanow