George Adams & Don Pullen Quartet - Life Line (2015)

George Adams and Don Pullen led a quartet featuring some of the best players in post-bop jazz, but with often less than sensational results. This recording is no exception to the rule, as the leaders are joined again by bassist Cameron Brown and drummer Dannie Richmond. There is some sensational music throughout, but the listener is left with a sense that this is not all that it could have been. There is much in the nature of the jam, and Adams' vocals, while perhaps commercially attractive, exude less than perfect intonation. When playing tenor saxophone, Adams is never short of brilliant; he always seems to place his notes perfectly. Don Pullen strokes the keyboard characteristically, with a fine feel for the blues. Dannie Richmond is given plenty of solo space, and he fills it to great advantage. While not the best effort by the quartet, it is one with plenty of rewarding moments. -- Steve Loewy