Daniel Karlsson - Pan-Pan (2005)

The music on pianist Daniel Karlsson's quintet date is at various times reminiscent of the Keith Jarrett Quartet with tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman, the Miles Davis Quintet with Wayne Shorter, and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, yet in other spots it does not owe any obvious debts to its historic predecessors. Karlsson, who won the 2005 Jazz in Sweden award, utilizes a sextet that includes two drummers and excellent soloists in trumpeter Magnus Broo and tenor saxophonist Per Texas Johansson. Karlsson's seven originals cover a lot of moods and grooves, from soulful hard bop romps to introspective ballads, always holding one's interest. A fine outing. -- Scott Yanow