Many people became aware of Dave Ellis just this last summer when he played with the Other Ones. Most of the people I conversed with had never heard of him before saying "man he blew Leroi Moore away!" etc. ad nosium.

Really, Dave Ellis has been around a long time, way before the Other Ones or Ratdog. When he was in High School, Dave was headlining with his popular ska band "the Uptones" at the Bay Area's trendiest clubs. After the ska scene became a bit redundant and banal, Dave continued on his musical path landing in the Charlie Hunter Trio. After four years, Dave and Charlie went seperate ways, leading to Dave's solo career and eventually the Other Ones.

This album, "In the Long Run" is Ellis' second solo work. As far as a leader, he has come a long way since his debut album "Raven". His deep, powerful tenor in fine form, Ellis blows through numerous jazz standards and a few of his own creations on this wonderful album.

For the most part, "In the Long Run" is a straight ahead jazz affair. Which would seem obvious given his esteemed company on this disc. Both Tootie Heath and Eric Reed, two of the finest session jazz players ever, play with Ellis on 5 cuts. The rest of the album, Ellis is backed by Jeff Chimenti, Peter Barshay and Deszon Clairborne. While these players are not known to me(except for Chimenti who I know because of his work in Ratdog), their playing is exceptional and compliments Ellis well. The mark of good session players are those that seem transparent to the leader, but make their presence felt at the same time; this fine line. Well, it is this approach that they bring to the table.

Overall, a very pleasing and warm album. Nothing radical or avante-guard, but plain and simple jazz. Which the world can never can get enough.