One For All - Killer Joe (2005)

One for All has developed into one of the solid hard bop units, consisting of six talented New York-based musicians, most of whom have recorded a fair amount as individual leaders. With tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis, and trumpeter Jim Rotundi in the front line, along with pianist David Hazeltine, bassist David Williams, and drummer Joe Farnsworth providing a great rhythm section, the sextet delves into decades-old gems like "Killer Joe," "Matin Call," and "I Remember Clifford" with authority. But such a band needs to come up with original material to stay fresh, so Alexander contributed the mellow, sauntering ballad "Island," which features superb interplay among the horns. Davis penned the driving"Hot Sake," which sounds like it would have been perfect fodder for Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, or any hard bop band. Recommended. -- Ken Dryden