The tenor sax has had a grand evolution, from its ensemble part in the big bands to the driving energy in jump blues to its height as a lead instrument in early rock 'n' roll and contemporary rhythm & blues. The clear voice of the sax has been tamed by men of such varied backgrounds that it is a true melting pot of American cultural synthesis.

Two great masters of the tenor sax have thankfully decided to team up for a glorious compilation on the craft. Riding along inside this powerful vehicle, Jesse Scinto and Big Jay McNeely introduce the audience to The Clutch (Marquis Records).

This recordings' opening track "Alligator Woman" is danceable, bouncy jump blues with both artists providing vocals—and more than their share of enthusiastic screams and howls. The album's title track is a 50s style rock 'n' roll instrumental that varies between the pace pfa Yiddish folk dance in pace and a thumping, rumba-style beat.

The instrumental tracks on this CD are a great bit of master sax enjoyment for the avid listener. Pay close attention to the other three diner-car jukebox anthems "The Rush", "Muff Diver", and "Demonstration Hank"—the first for its hard-driving sax, the second for its classic rock appreciation for getting down, and the album closer for its rockin', sock-hop style riffs.

"I should've Known" is a great 50s style slow dance piece that builds to an energetic wave-crashing finish that informed dancers or rockabilly fans will recognize as a "stroll". "Gettin' Down" is a tribute to the rock 'n' roll/rhythm & blues fusion that is Carolina Shag—a highly danceable piece about not being able to support your lady.

Jesse Scinto's own background is brought into the forefront with the two Latin-tinged instrumental cuts that reflect the ambiance and vitality of Chicago's west side. Listen to "Sacramento Blvd" and "K Town" while you take a drive with Scinto through gang territory. "White Chocolate" is pure, tasty, sweet sax funk with a bit of 70s flare. The album's other torch tracks, such as "Before," offer a bit of romance coupled with the imagery of sax great Wayne Bennett. "Ted" is weepy comedy in the honky-tonk fashion.

This album is about the power and presence of contemporary sax music. Driving through this varied landscape of tenor sax ideas and sound, it's easy to get lost in the shifts of tempo and mood, but not everyone is cut out for driving a stick shift. That is, after all, what a clutch is all about.