Steve Marcus - Smile (1993)

This is one of Steve Marcus' best all-around recordings. Alternating barnburning versions of "Oleo," "Confirmation," and "Woody'n You" with ballads, Marcus tends to play the slower pieces on his lyrical soprano, saving the romps for his passionate tenor. Backed by pianist John Hicks, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Marcus is consistently brilliant within the bebop tradition, although McBride's bowed bass solo on "Confirmation" almost steals the show. -- Scott Yanow