Saxophonist Andy Parsons and drummer Gene Lewin have a formed a duo that, with the assistance of some high-level musical guests, has now produced three quality recordings. On Flip!, Parsons and Lewin are joined by bassist John Patitucci and guitarist Ben Monder, two leading lights of the present jazz scene. With the exception of the standard "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)," offered here in an appealingly skewed arrangement by Lewin, the compositions are by Parsons, and each is a gem. Parsons, a semifinalist in the 2002 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, is a rare figure among younger jazz players, being equally gifted as an improviser and a composer. His finely crafted, often catchy tunes bring out the best in all the participants. Patitucci and Monder mesh superbly with Parsons and Lewin, the propulsive yet lyrical bass work and the moody guitar lines adding marvelous textures to the music.

— Steve Futterman
© 2003 Barnes & Noble