By PAUL B MATTHEWS DECEMBER, Cadence Magazine Bennett is active on the Portland and Pacific Northwest jazz scene. As The leader and producer of this album, his second, he’s inspired some “active” playing from his trio to fortify their program of lively, straight ahead jazz. Bennett and Glenn provide just over half the compositions. The pianist pays homage in his to some favorite colleagues and predecessors. The brisk title tune honors Hampton Hawes for example, and “Libation”, Bud Powell. Hold that thought for a moment. Now think of those crispy played notes and that lightly knit playing style that was a hallmark of the first-generation beboppers and you’ll have a good sense of this trio’s style. Bennett’s playing and how he works his bass into the arrangements consistently evoked in my ears, thoughts of Pettiford and Potter. Berk supplies some very tasty brush work and Glenn plays with the same relaxed confidence that Powell possessed. Having said this, I should hasten to add that this is not a bebop album. Bennett contributes a 10 bar ballad and a Brazilian tempoed original. One of his showcase numbers is “The Red Door” which may be more familiar to you under the name “Zoot Walked In” (in honor of the saxophonist’s having adopted it as his signature tune). The operative word is “walked” and after listening to Bennett take the lead on it here, you may wonder why some enterprising bassist hasn’t snatched it up for his theme. One of the pleasures of being a reviewer for Cadence is coming across a sleeper like this release. An independently produced album by a group you and I may not otherwise get to hear that’s unpretentious but well thought out, beautifully played...and recommended.