The origin of this album goes back to Texas in the early '80s where young baritone student Frank Basile at North Texas University met for the first time his hero baritonist Gary Smulyan. Their friendship culminates here in a studio date in NJ in late 2023. "I was really just so happy to be there playing with him" declares Smulyan the mentor.

"His passionate sound and fresh ideas make Alternative Contrafacts a set well worth picking up, particularly by straightahead jazz collectors." - S. Yanow, The New York City Jazz Record

Gary Smulyan, Frank Basile: baritone saxophone

Steve Ash: piano

Mike Karn: bass

Aaron Seeber: drums