Gerry Niewood - Facets (2004)

Gerry Niewood, who has been somewhat under-recorded since his days with Chuck Mangione in the 1970s, is heard throughout this boppish set in top form. Whether on alto, tenor, baritone, or flute, Niewood sounds distinctive and inspired. Among the highlights of this straight-ahead set are the samba "Ruby," which has a flute melody and a strong alto solo, two-tenor jams with Gerry's son Adam on "Cheek to Cheek" and "Doxy," a baritone/guitar duo with Gene Bertoncini on "I Concentrate on You," a heated tenor/bass/drums trio version of "Just One of Those Things" in the style of Sonny Rollins, and a beautiful baritone solo on "All Too Soon." Throughout this definitive date, Gerry Niewood shows just how strong an improviser he has always been. Highly recommended.

Review by Scott Yanow