AMG Review of Dr. Chi

Steven Loewy
All Music Guide

Probably recorded in the mid-'80s, this delightful collaboration between American trumpeter Woody Shaw and the Tone Janša Quartet works on nearly every level. Janša shares the front line with the trumpeter, and is a perfect foil for Shaw on each of Janša's instruments, tenor and soprano saxophones and flute. Janša's fluid, driving lines fit beautifully with Shaw's concepts. Even more importantly, Shaw is in great form, and there is an electricity in the air that infuses each track. The generous recording time, coupled with an excellent choice of tunes (four winners by Janša, the outstanding "Dr. Chi," and thrilling "Zoltan" by Shaw) and good recording quality make this a perfectly tuned experience. A strong addition to Shaw's and Janša's discographies, and a good introduction to the saxophonist's work. Unfortunately, there are no liner notes, or information about the players or the circumstances under which the recording was made, or even the date of the recording. A shame, too, because this is a near-classic session.