Nick Brignola - Tour De Force (2001)

This might very well be baritonist Nick Brignola's final record, for he passed away a year later. Brignola still sounds in prime form on this pianoless quartet/quintet set with guitarist Chuck D'Aloia, bassist Eddie Gomez, drummer Bill Stewart, and (on four of the nine songs) percussionist Café. Brignola plays two standards, a song by D'Aloia, Dave Holland's "Backwoods Song," an obscurity, and four standards, including "Donna Lee" and "Centerpiece." Despite worsening health, he plays with plenty of power and drive on this excellent hard bop set.

Review by Scott Yanow