Ray Drummond - Vignettes (1996)

For this date, bassist Ray Drummond heads an all-star quintet which includes altoist Gary Bartz, Chris Potter on tenor, pianist Renee Rosnes and drummer Billy Hart. They perform five of Drummond's tunes, John Handy's near-classic jazz waltz "Dance to the Lady" and a pair of standards. On what is generally an extroverted session, the bassist's two "Ballade Poetiques" serve as a change of pace, fairly free flights for the trio that are quite introspective. Otherwise the underrated giant Bartz emerges as the main star, taking "Poor Butterfly" as his showcase, showing off his John Coltrane roots on "Eleanor Rigby" and making a powerful statement on "Dance to the Lady." A fine post bop session.