The origin of this album goes back to Texas in the early 90s where young baritone student Frank Basile at North Texas Univ. met for the first time his hero baritonist Gary Smulyan. Their friendship culminates here in a studio date in NJ in late 2023. “I was really just so happy to be there playing with him” declares Smulyan the mentor. “His passionate sound and fresh ideas make Alternative Contrafacts a set well worth picking up, particularly by straightahead jazz collectors.” (S. Yanow – NYCJR)