Nick Brignola - Live at Sweet Basil: First Set (1992)

Nick Brignola, normally one of jazz's top baritone saxophonists, is also featured on alto and soprano throughout this live quartet date. Joined by pianist Mike Holober, bassist Rich Syracuse, and drummer Dick Berk, Brignola stretches out on five standards and Wayne Shorter's "Mahjong"; the shortest performance is almost nine minutes long. Brignola proves to be an underrated alto and soprano saxophonist, although baritone was clearly his strongest ax. This is a superior and boppish blowing session with the underrated Brignola heard in his usual consistent top form. © Scott Yanow