Scott Lee
Leaving
SteepleChase Records
www.steelplechase.dk
By George W. Harris

Bassist Scott Lee, who’s made his name playing with Joe Lovano, Chet Baker and Tim Hagins, has released a subtle disc here with Billy Drewes/sax-cl, Gary Versace/p and Jeff Hirshfield/dr through a set of originals. Some of the songs, such as “Taxed” (any reflection on Obama?) feature Drewes’ husky tenor over some effusive melodies, while he brezzily broods on “Old Friends Talking.” The band flows gracefully with Drewes’ soprano on “JGB” while the pizzicato “Two Ways” have a playful jab go it. Lee and Versace deliver some chamberlike teamwork on “Musing” while the trio itself does some agitated driving on “Drummersome.” Subtle, but with a sense of style.