It is the story of Daniel Waterhouse, fearless thinker and conflicted Puritan, pursuing knowledge in the company of the greatest minds of Baroque era Europe, in a chaotic world where reason wars with the bloody ambitions of the mighty, and where catastrophe, natural or otherwise, can alter the political landscape overnight. It sweeps across continents and decades with the power of a roaring tornado, upending kings, armies, religious beliefs, and all expectations.

A monumental literary feat that follows the author’s critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller Cryptonomicon, it is history, adventure, science, truth, invention, sex, absurdity, piracy, madness, death, and alchemy. This session was recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's, Englewood Cliffs NJ and engineered by Maureen Sickler, and has great sound.Neal Stephenson’s Quicksilver is here. In this all hands on deck rendition, the soloists expand on what the structure of the piece has to say with expressive confidence. Tenor saxophonist Ben Webster did not compose many numbers, but in 'Did You Call Her Today?' he wrote a blues styled gem. Adding to the peppiness of the number, trumpeter Benny Benack III demonstrates his supple sense of swing. After Stephenson runs through the lyrics, he takes to the tenor for a couple of bars after which Rodriguez chimes in. The Ray Charles hit 'Ain't That Love' rides the crest of group dynamics as most of the band get a chance to shine. Pianist Julius Rodriguez offers some dart-like lines in his excellent solo turn. The Marvin Gaye anthem 'What's Happening Brother?' rocks along in solid fashion as Stephenson spins out the lyric in his whispery voice. With snapping fingers, and supported by bassist Alexander Claffy, who lays out a solid mid- tempo rhythm, Stephenson runs through the number in soft tenor voice that is Cole styled. As envisaged by producer Pelt, the program is comprised of those old and new, tried and true themes that have a wide audience appeal, such as opener 'Sweet Lorraine,' popularized by Nat King Cole. Vocalist and tenor saxophonist Michael Stephenson falls into this category with this release produced by trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. As a result, he is using the resources of Cellar Music to help address some of these inequities and record African-American musicians who might not ordinarily have such an opportunity.

Record executive and tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds readily acknowledges that growing up in Canada has insulated him from the racial issues prevalent in the United States.

The Provocateur by Michael Stephenson