Coalition

While pianist Kenny Werner is the senior member who wrote four of the compositions for this session, Coalition is an apt description for this international quintet featuring African guitarist/bassist Loueke, Puerto Rican alto saxophonist Zenon, Danish saxophonist Koppel, and Hungarian drummer Nemeth. There's also little in the way of standard arrangements; instead the music riffs, expands, and jumps stylistically with different members leading the way. Zenon also contributes “Phonetics #2,” while Loueke adds “Flying.” A fine debut from a band that should have a fascinating future if scheduling permits.