Craig Handy - Reflections in Change (2000/2019)

A fine hard bop tenor saxophonist, Craig Handy performs four of his originals, four by drummer Ali Jackson, and Charles Mingus' "Eclipse." Five of the songs feature the quartet of Handy, Jackson, pianist Geri Allen, and bassist Rodney Whitaker. "Waiting for Your Call" and "Unravel the Mystery" add guitarist Dave Stryker and the talking of Tara Cruise, which in this context is an acquired taste. "Eclipse" and "Adona's Song" have six horns and pianist Stephen Scott joining Handy, Whitaker, and Jackson on a pair of arrangements by Sy Johnson. The leader plays some particularly rewarding soprano and his program is well-paced with plenty of variety, swinging in a modern fashion with just enough unpredictability to keep one guessing.