Passages

Scott Burns has a large tone on tenor and a hard-driving style that is at times reminiscent of Lew Tabackin and Pete Christlieb. His set of originals include the swinging "Lead the Way," a brooding ballad in "Black Orchid," the optimistic "Downhill Stroll" and the minor blues "Storm Rising." The fine rhythm section features plenty of solo space for pianist Ron Perillo and stimulating support from bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas. Although none of these players are household names at this point, they could hold their own with most of their better-known counterparts. Scott Burns, who has a pretty original sound (though he hints strongly at John Coltrane on the closing "Eddies in the Stream"), plenty of energy and creative ideas within the modern mainstream of jazz, seems destined to become a major force in jazz.