On "Scott Robinson Plays the Compositions of Thad Jones: Forever Lasting" (Arbors) Scott Robinson plays 14 instruments, ranging from a reedy piece of plumbing called the contrabass sarrusophone to the E-flat soprano flute. Lest you think this is a novelty album where you get a little toot on each of the instruments in his collection while he mainly wails on tenor saxophone (or flute or cornet ...), rest assured that Robinson really does command each of the instruments and really does honor the late Jones in a creative and noteworthy way.

The most intriguing ensemble on the album includes Robinson on bass saxophone, Mike LeDonne on Hammond B3 organ and Klaus Suonsaari on drums. Listen to "To You" for an example of the melodic gracefulness Robinson brings to this big, low-pitched saxophone while LeDonne supplies big band-like chords behind him.

As for the growling, lower-pitched contrabass sarrusophone, Robinson plays what is surely the funkiest solo ever recorded on this instrument on "Greetings and Salutations." At the higher end of things, his flute-work on "Quietude" is light, swinging and melodic.

Apart from LeDonne and Suonsaari, Robinson's sidemen include pianists Richard Wyands and Hank Jones (Thad's brother), bassist Pat O'Leary and drummer Dennis Mackrel.

If you're familiar with the early Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, you'll be pleased at how well Robinson captures the spirit of Jones' writing and playing here.