Kevin Whitehead

In the early 1960s, saxophonists Davis and Griffin co-led a jumping two-tenor band. A live recording of their 1962 Seattle show is now available on Ow! Live at the Penthouse.

Though their improvising gets rowdy at times, the Very Practical Trio players don't neglect the tune when they jam. Kevin Whitehead says the ensemble's new album has a nice give and take.

Marcus gets a clean, unfettered sound from both his band and his instrument on his new album. Trio Plus is crisp, tight and varied — with more good melodies than we can dip into.