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The debut recording by the New York City based sextet Planet Jazz features the extraordinary front line of the newest tough tenor on the scene, Grant Stewart, hip-to-it trumpeter Joe Magnarelli and the highly respected guitarist Peter Bernstein. Planet Jazz was formed 15 years ago by the late drummer Johnny Ellis who wrote much of the band's music, including 5 of the 8 tracks on this CD. Ellis' tunes, while reflective of his dark humor, combine true originality with plenty of swing and provide a rich harmonic underpinning for the band's tremendous soloists to stretch out. Musical director and pianist Spike Wilner and the up-and-coming rhythm combo of Neal Miner and Joe Strasser give every evidence of band mates who know each other's moves.