• Track Listing

Here is a nearly flawless recording from someone likely unknown by most jazz fans. Who is Bruce Eskovitz, and where has he been all our listening lives' At 52, he's a veteran Los Angeles studio musician and educator, and appears regularly in LA area jazz clubs. Dr. Eskovitz (he has a doctorate) is quite the discovery. A wailing tenor player with a full-bodied sound, he plays with a jolting urgency and sensitivity. His compositions reflect the completeness and versatility of his playing: Adventurous, yet accessible; hard driving, yet full of dynamic contrast. His arrangements often are surprising, even stunning. Eskovitz leads a dektette, comprising five horns and five rhythm. They are a lean, mean machine and make a good case for slimmed-down big bands, sounding like both a large ensemble and combo. The players mirror their leader's talent, energy and spirit, and together and as soloists, soar through a highly varied, exciting and satisfying program of 10 tunes, seven penned by Eskovitz.