During the past decade, Jeff Rupert has enjoyed a number of important associations in refreshingly diverse musical settings. He is a long-time member of Sam Rivers’ band, and has recorded with Mel Tormé and the Fins. He has been a featured soloist at the Chicago Blues Festival and at major jazz festivals throughout Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Japan. His own quartet has performed regularly in New York, including headlining at the Blue Note, July 4, 2002. His solo spots [check out "Love Letters!"] are highlights of the new Ferguson/Diane Schuur collaboration, Swingin’ for Schuur (Concord). For his debut album, Rupert has chosen an exceptionally compatible and talented rhythm section. The cohesiveness of the group is no accident, for it is essentially a working band, the Hermanators, led by guitarist Mitch Stein, and has worked together for over a decade. Each member has solid roots in the jazz tradition but is open to other musical experiences. Stein, for example, has worked with Brother Jack McDuff and Joe Locke, as well as Tania Maria, David Sanborn, and the Stone Alliance. Drummer Rodney Holmes may be heard with Wayne Shorter, the Brecker Brothers, Joe Zawinul, and played on Santana’s Grammy-winning Supernatural CD. Henry Hey, Hammond B-3 Organ, and piano, is veteran of groups led by saxophonist Bill Evans, Gene Perla, and the Stone Alliance. Kip Reed, the bassist is well known for his backing of Tania Maria. Jeff Rupert has a classic tenor sound, the virtuosity to execute practically any musical idea, and the imagination to make those ideas worth hearing. Furthermore, this group clearly enjoys playing together and its commitment and enthusiasm come across on every track of this auspicious debut recording.