Jason Palmer has been on the scene for quite a few years now. He seems to have everything a great trumpeter needs. A superlative technique, a range (especially in the upper echelons) to make you want to get your hearing tested, a discography to die for, a record company that has stood steadfastly behind him, respect from all his peers… and yet he still doesn't seem to have that certain something for the fans to get behind. As well as his sideman duties, he's had his own groups for some years now. His partnership with Noah Preminger is about two years old. He's the tenorman that Criss Cross boss Gerry Teekens has gone crazy about. In fact, Palmer is featured on Preminger's two dates for the label. This writer has yet to make his mind up about Preminger. His sound is an acquired taste. He's certainly his own man. He's most at home in a pianoless setting. Strangely enough, I could have done with more tenor here on this live recording, which has 72 minutes of music, embracing five open-ended Palmer compositions. It has the most exhausting drumming I can remember on any record! Free formers should check this one out.