A summit meeting or what? Six standards allowed to blossom and bear fruit delivered by a fabulous quartet of equals. Could one ask for more? Well, maybe but this does nicely. Pace his mentor Lennie Tristano, Konitz's modus operandi focuses more on the exploration of classic tunes than on his own writing. It's an approach which gives full rein to a supreme melodic gift. That light, airy tone that influenced Desmond and Pepper might have coarsened over the years but his lines remain ever distinctive. Yet it's the space that these four give each other that most delights on this record. Miles' ‘Solar’ is a good example. Motian hints at and implies the pulse, Haden allows its heart to beat, Mehldau flutters and floats around the melody and Konitz is free to wander. ‘Lover Man’ is given a gorgeous reading, nods respectfully at Bird, then goes on the prowl. Even a warhorse like ‘Lullaby Of Birdland’ seems fresh and newly minted. They close with Rollins' muscular ‘Oleo’ here given a wiry, sinewy polish. A fine album, indeed.