Its You I Like

Melody and groove are the watchwords on John Ellis' masterful Criss Crossdebut, which mixes optimistic songs composed by the iconic children'stelevision host, Fred a.k.a. Mister Rogers, himself a fine jazz pianist, and dark ones by the late singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. Joined by New York A-listers Mike Moreno guitar, Aaron Goldberg piano, Matt Penman bass, and Rodney Green drums, Ellis playing mostly tenor saxophone and a bit of bass clarinet addresses the repertoire with a surefooted time feel, gorgeous tone, and abiding melody.