Representing jazz's modern mainstream, Drew Gress' quartet album swings, while offering—at the same time—unexpected changes of direction. Saxophones, piano, bass and drums interact with a spirit that implies reserves of energy. That motion is sitting there, rocking, and waiting for a chance to explode. Fortunately, this veteran quartet knows how to harness the energy. Uri Caine provides exciting dances up and down the piano's keyboard, with measured phrases that format his creative ideas. Tim Berne offers a thin, edgy tone that blends with piano and darts in and out of the quartet's improvised counterpoint. His classical approach to the alto saxophone carries a warm feeling that serves to unify the ensemble. Gress and Tom Rainey interact as partners in this foursome; they're not here simply to provide a rhythm. Instead, each of the four artists accepts equal roles.

Drew Gress, 42, grew up in the Baltimore/Washington DC area and now works out of New York. While he considers his East Coast environment conducive to an aggressive style, Spin & Drift cannot be described as either hard-bop-derived or avant-garde experimentation. Rather, his band, Spin & Drift, communicates variety through tension and release. It's natural. From their rompin' and stompin' "Sledmouth Chronicles," to Gress' lyrical solo on "Pang," the session absorbs the listener because of its unpredictable changes and comfortable ease of transition.