Nights At the Inn

Album Review

Tenor saxophonist David Tofani leads a new quartet on ten exceptional straight-ahead jazz compositions which comprise Nights at the Inn. Inspired by the group's captivating gigs at the Deer Head Inn, Tofani is off to a swinging start on Duke Ellington's "Angelica," a seldom heard gem that provides the saxophonist a great melodic vehicle. It precedes "Brushes on the Snare," the first of three Tofani originals sequenced on this gratifying sonic experience. As an arranger, Tofani heats things up in a cool new way by adding an extended piano solo by Jesse Green. Green's improvisations validate this composition's straight-ahead style that continues to unfold with Tofani's top-to-bottom command of his tenor sax voice. Switching gears on "A Child Is Born," the quartet is in a mellow mood and treats this beautiful old standard like a brand new baby. Nights at the Inn is further accented by great individual solos from guitarist Jack Wilkins on "You Caught Me" and the Latin flavored "Trip to Madrid." Tofani's treatment of "In a Sentimental Mood" is fresh and relaxing, making it one of the most engaging songs on this set. Overall, this recording surpasses his previous efforts on An American Garden, making it Tofani's best release to date.