Fred Hess CROSSED PATHS Tapestry 76007 2005 **** Due to the similar instrumentation and the free jazz originals by Fred Hess, the quartet on Crossed Paths is a bit reminiscent of Ornette Coleman's early groups. As with Ornette, the mood of the songs serves as the basis for the improvising rather than any set chord patterns. What is different is that Fred Hess is an expressive tenor-saxophonist with his own style (rather than copying Coleman or Dewey Redman) and trumpeter Ron Miles is also quite individual, having more technique than Don Cherry. With bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Matt Wilson contributing stimulating support and interaction, Hess and Miles are both heard in top form, whether blending in ensembles or making individual statements in this explorative but very coherent outing. (Scott Yanow)