When I see a track titled “One For Cliff,” I skip straight to it on the album. Therefore, my first impression of the Kevin O’Connell Quartet wasn’t the first track (“Newest Blues”). Instead, track two proved to me that this combo can really bop. Credentials having been earned, I looked forward to starting again at the beginning. For the next 55 minutes I was in my-kind-of-jazz bliss.

Hot New York Minutes is pianist Kevin O’Connell’s debut album after having appeared on albums with the inspirational Clifford Jordan, Vernel Fournier and many others. On this release, O’Connell collaborates with Adam Brenner for this collection of standards and original material.

The rest of the crew, who are all at their peak playfulness: Adam Brenner (saxophones), Paul Gill (bass), Mark Taylor (drums). Each are given plenty of space to stretch their solo moments into thoughtful passages.

It’s an album that reminds you why you love jazz music.