Bennie Wallace - Bennie Wallace (1998)

For this mostly relaxed date, tenor saxophonist Bennie Wallace (who plays pretty melodically throughout much of the session) is teamed with veteran pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Alvin Queen. Wallace does his best to temper some of his wilder interval jumps but it is such an integral part of his style that he does let loose in spots. The rhythm section is tight and tasteful and the quartet explores seven standards, plus an original apiece by Wallace ("Little Surprises") and Flanagan ("Beyond the Bluebird"). Other highlights include Duke Ellington's rarely played "Serenade to Sweden," "Moon Song" and "So in Love."

Tracklist:

01. Beyond the Bluebird
02. Serenade to Sweden
03. Little Surprises
04. Moon Song
05. Over the Rainbow
06. So in Love
07. Prelude to a Kiss
08. UMMG
09. Chelsea Bridge