It's always great to hear a superb newcomer, and this month it's alto saxophonist Marc McDonald. McDonald has played in a variety of settings, including stints with Henry Rollins and Ween, but his first CD as a leader leaves no doubt that he's found a home in jazz. His style can be nicely languid on cuts like "Floating" and the gorgeous "In Exile" or exuberant on the wonderfully funky "Three Sheets to the Wind." Guitarist Steve Cardenas, who has played with Paul Motian and Norah Jones, is the second star, playing on five cuts. He's so wonderfully facile on the title tune, you might mistake this CD for his album. Jim Ridl (piano) also supplies his share of impressive solos while Karl Spicer (bass) and Gene Lewin (drums) provide solid support throughout. A formidable composer, McDonald wrote all but three of the 11 tracks. Here's hoping the album title is a promise.