Recommended Tools is the 7th release from 2008 Downbeat Rising Star Poll winner Donny McCaslin. It is also his first for Dave Douglas' Greenleaf Music label. McCaslin has been performing with Douglas' highly publicized Quintet since 2005, as well as receiving a Grammy nomination for his work with the Maria Schneider Orchestra in 2004. His latest release, Recommended Tools finds McCaslin for the first time working in a trio setting. With bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Johnathan Blake, McCaslin has made this highly emotive format a vehicle for his virtuosic blowing and distinct compositional voice. Trenched in free-flowing arrangements with dynamic interplay between the band, this work harkens back to the classic trio recordings of Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson. And while a classic format, McCaslin retains his progressive approach and inventiveness citing Bill Frisell, Hermeto Pascal, Stravinsky and Messiaen as inspiration for these compositions.

"fruitful and expressive"
- New York Times

"If this is one tenor player’s major announcement of his presence in his horn’s elite, it’s a ripper."
- Buffalo News

"[McCaslin's] finest record as an improviser."
- Downbeat

"A brilliant take on the hallowed tenor trio tradition, Recommended Tools is not only a high water mark for McCaslin, but one of the most beguiling records of the year."
- AllAboutJazz