Woody Shaw - Woody Shaw with Tone Jansa Quartet

2022 Japanese CD reissue.

Shaw recorded a series of outstanding hard bop albums with American musicians but there is less available of him performing with Europeans. This album is, therefore, a welcome addition to his discography. Tone Jansa, a strong tenor saxophonist who also doubles on both soprano sax and flute, shares the front line with Shaw, and the two horns perform six compositions by Jansa backed by Jansa's swinging rhythm section. Shaw seems perfectly comfortable with the tunes, which range from sizzlers to ballads. Jansa and Shaw fit together well, and Shaw appears inspired by the interaction. Drummer Dragan Gajic kicks hard throughout while pianist Renato Chicco and bassist Peter Herbert play with strong feeling. The results are strikingly enjoyable, and all in all this should please admirers of the trumpeter.

Steve Loewy ~ AllMusicGuide