Reflecting the lyrical eloquence and munificent flow for which bassist Jeff Johnson is so highly regarded, Tall Stranger is a collection of mostly originals and improvisations by Johnson's equally esteemed, long-time trio with saxophonist Hans Teuber and drummer Billy Mintz. Johnson is a vital voice in Northwest jazz and a well-respected musician on the national scene. Besides being bassist for Philly Joe Jones' band at 21, Johnson was a member of the Hal Galper and Jessica Williams trios throughout the '90s and he's appeared on over 2 dozen Origin recordings. Tall Stranger is his fourth release as a leader and a modern jazz must. •"He plays with a mystique that takes the music out of the ordinary." - Frank Rubolino, Cadence.