Simple Solutions     
You Never Know
Harlem Nocturne  
Step by Step
Somewhere        
Time to Whine     
Laura

"Anyone attending the Detroit International Jazz Festival (formerly Montreux ) in recent years knows that Detroit alto saxophonist Larry Nozero's bands have shamed many groups fronted by national stars. This CD, compiled from festival appearances in 1997 and 1999, reminds us how they've done it. They present tightly organized sets; emphasize pianist Terry Lower's original songs, whose engaging structures force soloists to think without turning each tune into a music theory lesson; and create a sympathetic context for Nozero's fetching tone, as juicy as a ripe plum, and his supple improvisations, full of fresh melody and communicative phrasing.  Trumpeter Rob Smith makes his presence felt on several tunes, with electric bassist Ray Tini and drummer Jim Ryan filling out the band."