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Some of the more vital figures in jazz, such as David Murray and Henry Threadgill have gravitated to the six-to-eight-piece ensemble, a special challenge to the composer/arranger/improviser, as the scores must have an orchestral impact while retaining the elasticity and allusiveness of small group banter. For the most part, altoist Patrick Brennan successfully meets the challenge on Soup. - Bill Shoemaker

...a newcomer whose vivid. right-angled alto style summons up Roscoe Mitchell and Jackie McLean, and whose colorful writing for sextet boasts a nodding acquaintance with late-50s Mingus and mid-60s AACM. - Francis Davis

... a delightfully quirky, circusy blend of swing, blues and free music. Imaginative, with a compelling rhythmic thrust. Fun, and well worth seeking out. -Kevin Whitehead