by Scott YanowAlthough best-known for his work in mainstream swing settings, guitarist Howard Alden has long been interested in later periods of jazz. On this superior outing, he doubles on seven-string acoustic and electric guitars (which allow him to add basslines). Lew Tabackin is on four of the ten numbers (three on tenor, one on flute) and pianist Renee Rosnes appears on six songs (including a duet with Alden on Warm Valley), while bassist Michael Moore and drummer Bill Goodwin are on seven. Alden takes My Funny Valentine and After All as unaccompanied solos but it is his meetings with Tabackin, particularly on exciting versions of two complex Herbie Nichols songs (House Party Starting and The Gig) that are most notable. Recommended.