In 2017, saxophonist Brad Walker headed to Maurice, Louisiana’s noted Dockside Studio to capture the same group of musicians—pianist Oscar Rossignoli, bassist Nathan Lambertson and drummer AJ Hall—heard on his fine, previously released album Live at Snug Harbor. The quartet revisits two of the leader’s outstanding originals, the album’s opener, the spiritually inclined “Pilgrim” and the multi-faceted “Samurai,” both of which deserved the return trip. On the latter, percussionist Michael Skinkus jumped into the mix when Walker went back to fine-tune the recording. Skinkus certainly brings extra pop to an already highly rhythmic and dynamic selection. Rossignoli, who throughout displays his signature elegance, goes at it hard and fast here. He’s matched by Hall’s power drumming that leads to Lambertson’s stunning bass solo. Walker’s blowing takes it from there both in speed and intensity. Good one.

Another musician added to the quartet’s original session was guitar master Brian Seeger who Walker has described as his “mentor.” The guitarist works on Keith Jarrett’s “Spirits 15,” one of two cover tunes on the album. Seeger’s approach to the guitar has always been very individualistic and that, of course, remains true here with Walker’s sax seemingly inspired by his direction. The other cover, “Innan du Gar,” comes from the pen of Theresa Andersson.

On Dockside Sessions, the often spiritual and intense saxophonist Brad Walker has again purposefully aligned himself with like-minded and hugely talented musicians to fulfill the visions of his fine compositions.