Drummer Todd Bishop and his quintet with Richard Cole (bass clarinet, baritone, tenor and soprano), Tim Willcox (tenor and soprano),
keyboardist Weber Iago, and bassist Bill Athens, pay tribute not so much to Ornette Coleman's style and sound, but to his compositions. Of
the eight songs, only "Lonely Woman" (Coleman's greatest hit but taken in a different direction than usual) has been performed much
since being debuted by the altoist up to 55 years ago. The lack of an alto and trumpet allows the quintet to get a bit of distance from
Ornette Coleman's recordings, as does the utilization of Iago's Fender Rhodes. The music is explored on its own terms. Ranging from free
bop romps to lyrical ballad statements, with the highpoints including spirited renditions of "Friends And Neighbors" and "Check Up,"
these fresh and adventurous interpretations cast new light on Ornette Coleman's songs.
Little Played Little Bird is easily recommended.