Composer, clarinetist/saxophonist Andy Laster has been involved in the downtown jazz scene since the mid-'80s. His projects are an exciting blend of improvisation and composition and always involve intertwining contrapuntal lines in an intimate chamber setting. For his first Tzadik release he has chosen several pieces for classical ensembles that are among his greatest work to date. Included are a string quartet, a string trio and a quintet for clarinet and strings, and a brilliant new piece for solo piano written especially for this CD. Lyrical and complex chamber music by this dedicated and imaginative New York composer.