“A brilliant take on the hallowed tenor trio tradition," writes AllAboutJazz.com reviewer Troy Collins, “Recommended Tools is not only a high water mark for McCaslin, but one of the most beguiling records of the year." DownBeat's John Corbett agreed, writing, “It's a terrific outing, with solid original material at the service of a ferocious player and a great rhythm section. There's nothing frivolous, no errors of judgment—just energizing jazz in a lean setting with lots to love." “McCaslin's blowing may be brawny," added Steve Greenlee in JazzTimes, “but it is equally thoughtful. His work is blistering and beautiful, sometimes in the same moment."
Inspired by his musician father, McCaslin began playing tenor saxophone at age 12. Early in his professional career, following studies at the Berklee College of Music, he toured for four years with the Gary Burton Quintet before moving to New York in 1991, where he quickly found work with Eddie Gomez and the jazz fusion group, Steps Ahead. He has since performed and recorded with a long list of notable bandleaders, including Pat Metheny, Danilo Perez, Maria Schneider, George Schuller and Luciana Souza among many others, though he is perhaps best known for his recent membership in the Dave Douglas Quintet. In addition to his extensive work as an in-demand sideman, McCaslin has led his own groups for the past decade, recording for the Arabesque, Criss Cross, Naxos and Sunnyside labels.
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