Joe Lovano: I'm All For You

Half of the 59 minute album is made up of standards. The title track is a fuxture in Lovano's repertoire, based on the easily recognizable chord changes of "Body and Soul." Lovano was member of Woody Herman's orchestra from 1976 to 1979, and as a tribute to Herman and Stan Getz, he has included "Early Autumn." He creates a tone very reminiscent of Getz, yet plays notes that are 100% Lovano. "I Waited For You" was a Dizzy Gillespie piece of the 52nd Street period.

"Like Someone in Love" is a Lovano/Jones duet. "Monk's Mood," taken just a shade slower than the original, is played without Mraz's bass. "Stella By Starlight" is very danceable, with a good swing to its beat. While with Mel Lewis's orchestra, Lovano often played "The Suite for Pop." Its middle section is included here under the title "The Summary."

A big surprise is "Countdown," from John Coltrane's Giant Steps LP. Here it is done at a very leisurely pace, with Jones and Mraz maintaining the tempo while Lovano and Motian briefly employ a rock 'em sock 'em approach.

I'm All For You is a very good album for relaxation. Notwithstanding "Countdown," a single mood of melancholia is created for the entire disc.

Although one mood is sustained throughout, this should be another very popular album for Lovano. It's a winner.