In Pursuit

by Scott YanowWhen tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin first gained prominence, he sounded quite a bit like Michael Brecker and Bob Berg. Years have passed and McCaslin has grown into a very original improviser. In Pursuit, which features nine of his diverse originals, is full of moody and often melancholy but never dull music. McCaslin's solos are completely unpredictable, he is joined by a particularly skillful and alert rhythm section, and altoist David Binney often adds a second complementary voice. The music seems free in spots but is purposeful and ultimately logical. When McCaslin solos over just drummer Antonio Sanchéz and percussionist Pernell Saturnino during several stretches, his improvisations are particularly fiery and driven, with his raging solo on "Village Natural" being particularly inspired. This is a particularly strong example of modern jazz circa 2006.