Steve Fidyk Heads Up! Swing, swing, and more swing is the name of the game on the MD contributor’s latest collection of expertly played straight-ahead jazz. Steve Fidyk brings everything from understated pianissimo brush solos (“Make Someone Happy”) to up-tempo burners (“Untimely”) on Heads Up!, with brilliant articulation and a lovely cymbal sound. Fidyk can drive his four musicians like a big band, though he never overplays and keeps the dynamic volume managed at all times. On “The Flip Flopper,” the drummer throws down a loose and funky groove, and “Love for Sale” contains a 7/4 solo vamp that allows him to work out on his snare with pristine technical agility. Fidyk has the rare ability to lead from the drummer’s chair while also playing the supportive sideman role, resulting in a sound where the drummer gives himself some, anytime he wants. Fidyk happens to not be so greedy. (posi-tone.com)

–Ilya Stemkovsky