Adam Kolker - Flag Day (2008)

Adam Kolker, a talented tenor saxophonist who played with Ray Barretto during 1994-2002, has a tone and style that is reminiscent of Joe Henderson. In recent times, in addition to working with the Vanguard Orchestra, the Maria Schneider Big Band, Judi Silvano, and a variety of New York-based groups, he has co-led a quartet with guitarist John Abercrombie. On Flag Day, Kolker has Abercrombie in his quartet along with bassist John Hebert and drummer Paul Motian. The piano-less group has a very sparse sound and the interpretations of Kolker's originals, "Last Night When We Were Young" and Thelonious Monk's "Played Twice" are mostly taken at relaxed and even introspective tempos, with Motian providing most of the fire. Kolker, who also plays his atmospheric bass clarinet and soprano sax on a few numbers, is a subtle player who deserves a close listen. His interplay with his quiet sidemen works quite well.