Joshua Redman, certainly one of the most renowned saxophonist and composers of this era, gathers together an ace quartet and features vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa on Where Are We. The vinyl edition includes two, double sided “platters” of primarily vintage tunes with a couple of Redman originals that reference various locales in the United States. Think “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?”

Despite the quality of the musicians with Redman, pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Joe Sanders and New Orleans own Brian Blade plus special guests, Where Are We remains a perplexing release. The reasons are twofold. Apparently in trying to keep within the limits of the theme, the choice of much of the material is often dubious. Glen Campbell’s hit, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” falls within that category even considering Redman’s breathy solo that opens the tune imaginatively with little reference to the well-known melody. Problem two is that Cavassa, who presently lives in New Orleans, sings this song straight-up minus any improvisation. Her predictability turns up again on the chestnut “Stars Fell on Alabama,” a duet with just the vocalist and Redman’s horn. Cavassa fares better and projects more emotion on the Jimmy Rushing classic “Chicago Blues,” widely known as “Going to Chicago.”

Refreshingly moving is Redman’s powerful rendition of John Coltrane’s masterpiece, “Alabama,” on which the solid band is fully engaged with Blade’s drums roaring. I dug the earlier change of pace and swing of “Manhattan” with guitarist Peter Bernstein stepping in.

Enough to say that Where We Are isn’t up to what one would expect from the hugely talented, often fiery, creative and innovative Joshua Redman.