The Northwoods Improvisers return with a new album, Fanfares the latest effort with a quintet/sextet lineup that includes veterans Mike Johnston (bass, bass recorder, wood flutes, percussion) and Nick Ashton (drums, percussion) and reunites them with a fierce front line of saxophones with Dominic Bierenga (tenor/alto/soprano saxophones, flute, percussion) and Donovan Boxey (alto/soprano saxophone, clarinet, melodica, wood flutes, percussion) and introduces the strings of Jack O'Brien (cello, bass) and Mike Khoury (violin/viola).

The music is all acoustic and wonderfully recorded. Highlights include the tracks "Hymn for Dennis Gonzalez" which is an homage to the late Dallas, TX trumpet player who has a history for performing with the Northwoods Improvisers. Boxey's "Anointed" comprises another highlight with eastern sounds and intertwined soprano saxophones.

While the group touches on the spiritual in many ways, they also bring forth fire in the form of the winds duo of Bierenga and Boxey who are wise beyond their years when bringing a saxophone to their lips. The music has the strong rhythm section listeners will instantly recognize with Johnston's deep bass lines and Ashton's powerful drumming. Johnston, O'Brien and Khoury form a lush string section enhancing the compositions.