Setting up Flying Dolphin Records in 2004 has given tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts wings. After 35 years calling on an ever-changing array of some of the greatest names in jazz to play on his records, Watts has now settled into two quartets: his American and European groups. The continuity of these ensembles and the complete artistic freedom that he's wrestled free have resulted in some of his strongest recordings. Four Plus Four (Flying Dolphin Records, 2009), To the Point-Live at the Jazz Bakery (Flying Dolphin Records, 2008), Spirit Song (Flying Dolphin Records, 2005), and Analog Man (Flying Dolphin Records, 2007)—winner of the Independent Music Award for Best Jazz Album—show Watts to be in a very good place artistically, writing and playing better than ever. Oasis- continues the run of fine form.

Drummer Heinrich Koebberling's "Konbawna" is a lyrical limbering-up exercise which features brief but impressive solos from bassist Rudi Engel and pianist Christof Saenger. Saenger, in turn, contributes the elegant "Palmito," featuring a fired-up Watts. After 13 years together, there is a generosity in the quartet's writing process, and the personalities of all four members are prominent throughout. One of two co-written by longtime collaborator, pianist