Dick Berk - Let's Cool One (1991)

Veteran drummer Dick Berk led a series of groups under the name of the Jazz Adoption Society in the 1990s, featuring young up-and-coming players. This set has superior solos from pianist Tad Weed (the group's musical director) and trombonist Andy Martin, plus fine backup work from bassist Jeff Littleton, but it is most notable for the hard-charging solos of tenor saxophonist Jay Collins. The opening "New Life Blues" (which near its beginning has a tenor-drums duet) sets the mood for the rest of the fine hard bop date. Other highlights along the way are a rare post-Coltrane version of "My Favorite Things," "You Know I Care," Thelonious Monk's "Let's Cool One," and Berk's "Roberta." Easily recommended to straight-ahead jazz fans.

Review by Scott Yanow