But it was alto player Nick Morgan who injected an alternative tart sound and angular tones into a set of compositions that were — through repetitive bass figures and the linked guitar solos of Goodman — often focused on reaching a state of climax and ecstasy.

In "Song Without Words", Goodman's classical influence was there in the easy interplay between himself and altoist Morgan playing the melody, while in a fourth tune, the urgent influences of jazz, blues, and rock, poured out of Goodman's piano.

Here, and throughout the evening, the swift melodic lines of bassist Dan Fortin, along with Max Roach's evenly accented yet reactive style of drumming, steadily propelled and commented on the music.

Goodman told me he's been composing a lot of music recently, but he stressed that the artistic side of his playing has gotten a good workout, too.