The album’s title comes from Joris Teepe’s title track. "For Adults Only," a serious hard bop anthem, drives the listener through a strenuous tenor battle by the quintet’s two-saxophone front line. It’s a unique sound, and the propulsion from this rhythm section makes it work. Don Braden and Chris Potter have distinct saxophone voices, making it easier for the listener to identify each. Their conversation closes out "For Adults Only," as the duel turns into a riot. Similarly, Freddie Hubbard’s "Up Jumped Spring" moves hot and fast, as the dueling tenors close out the album. There’s no bubblegum dance music here. This isn’t music for conversation or for making out, either. It’s music to appreciate, to feel, to absorb; for adults only.

As a live session, the album includes introductions and audience reaction. It’s from a 1998 wintry club scene at Smalls in New York. The program includes a liberal number of bass solos, each of them lyrical and expressive. Teepe studied with Ron Carter and Peter Washington. The session also includes crisp, clear piano solos that swing, and a highly motivated ensemble that interacts fluidly. Highly recommended, this is modern mainstream from the hard bop tradition.

For Adults Only is the first release from the Postcards label since they were acquired by Arkadia Records last June. Their interesting catalog includes an eclectic artist lineup, including Harold Land, Paul Bley, Steve Kuhn, Gary Peacock, Julian Priester, Reggie Workman and Bob Stewart. Drawing on tradition while taking a fresh approach, Joris Teepe is helping Postcards provide music for today and for tomorrow.