Bauer's lyrical style is smooth, fluent and articulate, while his improvisations do not stray far from the melody line. If you think the alto sax and trumpet should only be fronting the melody line of the early bebop Groovin' High, think again. Bauer's harmonica chops are just as glossy as Charlie Parker's alto sax and Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet ever was when they first recorded the tune in 1945. Duke Ellington is well-represented with exotic and swinging versions of Caravan and Take The "A" Train, while Jimmy Van Huesen's Polka Dots And Moonbeams, is done as a lush ballad, with Bauer's full sound complimented with some nice organ fills by Pugliese. The album's highlight, Harmonica Waltz, with its groovy but gently-flowing 3/4 time meter, was written especially for Bauer by Kieman. Throughout the album, Bauer's "friends" provide some knock-out support, most notably Licitra who shines on the guitar. Preconceptions put aside, an outstanding project by an outstanding group of jazz musicians!

Jazz harmonica player Chris Bauer and his group get off to a swinging start with "Groovin' High", a great piece to introduce each member of the quartet and establish a mark that continues throughout the set. "Alone Together" opens with a strong harmonica solo, Chris has a clear, well-rounded melodic tone, and his interpretations are always tuneful, Ralph Pugliese on organ knows how to add just the right touches to color the overall effect. I do not suppose that Duke Ellington and Co. gave much thought to the harmonica when writing "Caravan", but it could have been made for this instrument; some funky, electronically touched swinging in the solos from Pugiliese on organ and the guitar of John Licitra makes this sizzle and Silky Joe Kieman keeps a steady rumble on drums for a splendid, high-spirited interpretation. "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is laid back and tender, "How High The Moon" is upbeat; the vein is continued through such tracks as "All The Things You Are", "Take The A Train" and "My Funny Valentine" and finishing with "All Of Me". This is an uplifting and delightful set, the swing is infectious, and the group seem to enjoy what they are doing, conveying that feeling through to the listener. Chris Bauer is one of the most enjoyable Jazz harmonica players I have heard. This CD will raise your spirits, and will provide a break from the usual instrumentation without any sacrifice in quality. Excellent stuff.

Chris Bauer has both the chops and the pedigree of a bona fide jazzman. His lineage speaks for itself and confirms the old saying about apples and trees. But beyond the DNA, his playing swings mightily and his solos are inventive and satisfying. Anyone not responding to the music of Chris Bauer should be checked for a pulse.