Kevin O'Connell Quartet: Hot New York Minutes

Although Hot New York Minutes is Chicago-based pianist Kevin O'Connell's date, it could well be saxophonist Adam Brenner's, as the two share roughly equal time soloing and contribute their talents as writer and/or arranger on half a dozen of the album's ten numbers. In fact, the subtitle reads "Featuring Adam Brenner," and the album, O'Connell writes, was actually Brenner's idea after they had reunited in Chicago for a pair of impromptu jam sessions.

To make it a quartet, they recruited bassist Paul Gill and drummer Mark Taylor (both excellent choices) and set about drawing up a game plan whose components included three of O'Connell's original compositions, a pair by Brenner and others by Cedar Walton, Tadd Dameron and Bill Lee to accompany the lone standard, "For Heaven's Sake" (arranged by Brenner).

Every number is basically straight-ahead, some with an explicit bop substructure, and everyone plays with the assurance of past masters who have traveled this road more than a few times before, an observation borne out by their unblemished teamwork. There is a lot to admire, perhaps especially the exquisite ballad "For Heaven's Sake," on which Brenner plays tenor sax (as he does on five other numbers, alto on four). O'Connell is light and articulate there, as he is most everywhere else, while Gill and Taylor provide their usual unflagging support. As for Brenner, his robust sound perfectly suits his straight-on style.

There are two dedications to past bandmates/employers, O'Connell's lyrical "One for Cliff" (for Clifford Jordan, in whose quartet he once played) and Brenner's animated "One for George" (for saxophonist George Coleman, with whom he still gigs). The quartet opens with Walton's shuffling "Newest Blues" and closes with Lee's laid-back "A Thought," the second of his originals (he also composed the flavorful "Biskit"). O'Connell wrote "Playa Culebrita" and "Blue Seven," Brenner the carefree "Boo Deh Dah," Dameron the occasionally covered "Choose Now."

Sound quality is generally acceptable, although there are times when Brenner sounds off-mic, as for example on "Newest Blues," "Biskit" and "Choose Now." After years of helping other musicians sound better, Hot New York Minutes is O'Connell's first recording as leader, and it is a splendid debut indeed.

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