I first heard of Al's CD when he played a bit of "Itsy Bitsy Spider" for my Guide To Local Jazz class (enchanting them) in 2014, repeating a later version last winter. Then he played a couple of cuts from the finished product on his car stereo for me. So I've been waiting for Lovestrong Vol. 1 hungrily.
Despite being under Al's name & having plenty of his solos, this CD is an ensemble effort reflecting the many musics Al has played in his own groups & as a sideman in local groups: tight neo-bop horn lines, mass improv that reminds me of trad jazz, inevitable funk & other rhythms, a mix of mellow ballads & danceable rhythms. Highlight: wait for the gumbo-surprise of "Blue Monk". And enjoy all the rest. He's done good.