Standard Transmission

Saxophonist Williamson and pianist Lande played together nearly four decades ago, but the Bay Area musicians went separate ways. Their musical connection never faded. The opener finds both players taking upbeat solos on a tune that walks back and forth between waltz and swing, Rodgers & Hart's "I Didn't Know What Time It Was." Joe Henderson's "Mamacita" is a fun, Latin-influenced number that gives Williamson a chance to show off an angular alto solo over Lande's tight chords. Bassist Peter Barshay and drummer Alan Hall keep the energy up, even on Williamson's slower, bluesy "Large Barge." Thankfully, the arrangements keep things from getting mired in sameness. "All of Me" gets a fresh new harmonic take, becoming a post-bop wonder rather than a tired old melody. This pairing of musicians is refreshing, even as it nears 40.