Restless Idealism

Enjoyable straight-ahead session from tenor saxophonist Coss, guitarist Alex Wintz, pianist Chris Pattishall, bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Willie Jones III. Some of that straight-ahead action, like "Push" and "Tricky," hearkens back to an old-school swing and bop, and while those tracks are plenty likable, it's those that reflect a modern post-bop approach that really shine strongest. The undercurrent of intensity on "Perspective" and the appealingly casual melody of "Waiting" are prime examples of the latter category, as well as what cinched this album a slot on today's column.