by Ken Dryden
This is a sizzling meeting of three fine alto saxophonists in a session co-produced by Vincent Herring and Carl Allen. Phil Woods is the acknowledged dean of the alto, and his smooth chops contrast with Herring's grittier tone on bop classics like &Blue Minor& and &Minority.& The veteran creates a sensational mood on &Stars Fell on Alabama,& while Herring matches him with a lovely take of &Autumn in New York.& The talented youngster Antonio Hart delivers a compelling solo in his feature, &God Bless the Child.& All three saxophonists solo with gusto on Woods' &Song for Sass.& The rhythm section includes Carl Allen on drums, Anthony Wonsey on piano, and Reuben Rogers on bass.