Regardless of material or setting, Stein solos with an unforced swing and natural flow that mark him a master. His solos on the opening "Poor Butterfly" and the Brazilian-flavored "Sarenna" develop organically to climaxes that are both exciting and inevitable. The clarity of his lines and his pinpoint articulation make the hard-driving "Hannita" and the soulfully grooving "Bootin' It" both intelligent and expressive. His soft, strong tone gives his ballad playing special warmth, affording a lyrical quality even to up-tempo numbers like "Elizabeth." The organ trio tracks are gems: direct, bold, and lots of fun, yet they never resort to the genre's clichés. This is a debut with taste and emotional maturity, showcasing an artist who puts form and feeling on equal footing.

-- Ed Hazell