Now in his early fifties, this fine and underrated Californian altoist plays a slippery and singing alto sax that rides the beat with confidence and spirit. His career includes stints with leading soul groups (Brother Jack McDuff), big bands (Toshiko Akiyoshi) and a lot of high-level education work. On this typically classy album his Paul Desmond-like tone shares the spotlight with Paul Bollenback, the fluent guitar ace best known for his albums with organist Joey De Francesco. His mellow comping here comfortably compensates for the absence of a keyboard. It’s a good pairing, enhanced by the youthful energy of drummer Rudy Royston and the latest US female bass sensation, Linda Oh. “I wanted strong, free-spirited young players unafraid to go with the moment,” said Jim, whose wish is well and truly granted on ‘Black Ice’, ‘Fear One’, ‘K-Town’ and the title track, a moody vamp in Aeolean mode. A substantial, grows-on-you album.