by Dan CrossAn all-star frontline of Tom Harrell, Joe Lovano, and Phil Woods head this impressive sextet record on the Chesky label. The writing on Upswing is inspired throughout, as is generally the case on Harrell's albums. The addition of a third horn allows Harrell to create colors in his arrangements that weren't possible with the two-horn format of many of his previous recordings. The playing on the Upswing is uniformly exceptional. Harrell sticks to flugelhorn for most of the date, often favoring it in situations that would instinctively call for trumpet, and sounds marvelously lyrical throughout. Tenorist Joe Lovano also plays strongly, contributing a wonderfully aggressive and energetic solo on Harrell's "Train Shuffle." Fans of altoist Phil Woods will be delighted by his performance here, as he sounds in fine voice, bringing his idiosyncratic pitch bends and witty in-jokes to the session. Pianist Danilo Perez accompanies enthusiastically, raising the intensity of all those involved. Upswing should be considered an essential purchase for those interested in exploring the Harrell discography.