This is the sophomore release from Ted Hogarth, but the debut for the Ted Hogarth Collective, his new ensemble format. A long-time member of the powerful Chicago Jazz Ensemble, now under the artistic direction of Jon Faddis after the passing of founder Bill Russo, Hogarth's first album as a leader was Steps Taken in 2000. Now, Misconception follows with a very listenable mix of original compositions ranging from conventional ensemble be-bop ("Aspirations") to atmospheric ballads ("Second Laugh," "Children's Song") to a jazz march ("Groovin'") that hints of a stroll down Bourbon Street in 'Nawlins before Katrina rained on the parade. The other tunes remind me of smoky club jazz, you know, the music you hear in small places where people come to really listen, and you see lots of them with their eyes closed, smiling and swaying while they focus on that really cool riff the bass player has going.

While it doesn't sound quite right to characterize a baritone sax player as someone who plays "delicately," that is indeed how Hogarth's playing strikes me mostly. Not fragile, he certainly fills his horns with plenty of air, but he doesn't push the limits much. You're not going to hear any honking or barking here. His solos are easy on the ear, but I think they lack a little momentum, not building to enough of a peak before relaxing again. This is a small complaint. Hogarth certainly has chops, he uses all three horns here - baritone, tenor and C-melody -, although you may be hard-pressed as I was to tell the difference between the latter two.

The ensemble playing on this CD is good, if not exactly tight. There are some nice harmonic combinations, theme restatements and punctuation underneath solo choruses. Brian Schwab swings nicely on trumpet and Andy Baker on trombone gets some nice long solo sections, for example in "Even Keel," but his playing is a little raw sometimes for the mood of the piece.

The rhythm section is a wonderful bonus on this CD. Bob Lovecchio is fantastic on the acoustic bass. Listen to his nice open fifths on "The Dance" followed by his inventive accompaniment throughout. A beautiful, round, earthy sound. Jo Ann Daugherty does excellent comp work throughout and gives us a good ride on her solo choruses. Note the creative use of the Fender Rhodes, a sound you don't hear much in jazz these days. Darren Scorza contributes two original compositions ("Second Laugh" and "So Far, Lofaro") as well as a lot of nice cymbal work throughout the set.

All in all a very nice album, full of solid playing, interesting harmonics and great trio work backing up Hogarth's considerable saxophone talent.