Different generations of Escofferys have made important contributions to various branches of black British music, generally on the R&B and soul scenes. Wayne is their most important jazz artist to date; his mother having emigrated to New York in 1986. After studying with Jackie McLean, he's been a regular member of, among others, the Tom Harrell Quintet and the Mingus Big Band, with whom he appeared as part of a star-studded saxophone section at Ronnie Scott's a few months ago. More recently he also brought this, his own strikingly original group, but with Danny Grisset in place of Orrin Evans. Some twin-keyboard jazz groups don't always work out, but the highly intelligent and dramatic way in which Wayne uses Rachel Z's keyboards mainly as a mood-setter and a contrast to his intensely emotional tenor playing makes for challenging and barrier-breaking music. There are only four tracks on this CD, recorded live in the acoustically excellent Firehouse 12 Club. ‘ZWEI’ features textured Z keys, leading into the more exotic Middle Eastern-tinged ‘Gulf of Aquaba’, inspired by Wayne's visit to the Red Sea Festival, with typically quirky Orrin Evans piano prominent. This is followed by a sombre reading of the ballad title tune from the band's first Sunnyside release, The Only Son of One, which builds beautifully. Finally, an extended variation of the 12-bar form called ‘Blue Monsoon’, credited to former Prestige label producer, Esmond Edwards, with a striking riff theme that sounds as though it inspired writers of the disco hit ‘Last Night a DJ Saved My Life’! This has the strongest groove with excitingly emotive tenor, piano and drums. Escoffery's tone is magnificent, full of tradition, but constantly searching for pastures new. His most rewarding recorded work to date. One drawback: There's only 35 minutes of music. But this may make you play it twice as often!