One Down

John Hart is a talented jazz improviser. Although his sound was not overly distinctive at this early stage, he proves thorughout the set (which includes four unaccompanied solos, five trio numbers, one quartet performance, and two songs by a quintet) that he is an inventive player. Whether playing the ridiculously complex "Take No Prisoners," a moody ballad (such as his "Deborah"), the medium-tempo boppish blues "Transcendence," or reinterpretating standards, he never seems to run short of melodic ideas. The musical communication between Hart, bassist Chuck Bergeron, and drummer John Riley is quite impressive, and the horns (trumpeter Tim Hagans and tenor saxophonist Rick Margitza) sound heated in their appearances. A strong debut.