Billboard Magazine Reviewed: October 29, 2005

Alto sax journeyman Alexander McCabe has a fine CD in hand with "The Round," joined by Joe Barbato (piano and accordion), Steve Johns (drums) and Ugonna Okegwo (bass). The eight-song disc features five originals by McCabe, two by Barbato and one by Johns. Barbato and Okegwo repeatedly assay particularly tasty solos, and Barbato's accordion, as heard on the title track, provides an intriguing departure. McCabe's alto sax sound is a study in versatility. On "Village Walk" he works a beautiful, warm tone, then follows on "Jugo" with a much brighter, bop-like solo that sets the mood for Barbato's follow-up. "Yours," propelled by Okegwo's urgent bottom line, is a swinging piece that offers everyone in the quartet a chance to set sail.

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