Cadence, January 2001

"The Connie Crothers Quartet or CCQt, is in brilliant, driving form as they generate explosive contemporary bop in "Ontology". Alto sax player Richard Tabnik creates free alto sax lines that project an eerie bi-tonal quality throughout his probing solos in pieces like "Ontology" and the uptempo "Bird's Word." Tabnik's sound is uniquely his own, exploring the fertile ground somewhere between Charlie Parker and early Ornette Coleman; just listen to the engaging double-tempo lines he creates in a swinging version of "My Shining hour" and the floating free blues lines in ballads like "Come Rain or Come Shine" and his memorable original "Fortuity." Crothers has rarely sounded so inspired, from her spacy lyricism in "Ontology" and "Come
Rain or Come Shine" to her percussive intensity in "Double Chi" and the lively rapport and free interplay with drummer Roger Mancuso following Tabnik's dramatic solo in "Bird's Word." "Ontology" sustains the most exhilirating and inventive hard bop I have heard in many years and I imagine that to catch this band on a good night must be awesome. You must check "Ontology" out!
--- David Lewis

"Duo Dimension" -- duet with Richard Tabnik
NA1003

"Ottowa Citizen," 1988

Piano and alto sax are paired in this program of nine original pieces plus the ballad oldie "Star Eyes." Connie Crothers plays with great strength and fire, yet seems to draw her lines with lightness and a fine edge. Her rhythmic sense never wavers, even in the most "outside," adventurous constructions she develops with Richard Tabnik.

Some of the airy dryness of the late altoist Paul Desmond colors his sound, but Tabnik follows a different path in terms of both harmonic conception and energy. He and Crothers obviously share close ties in this music which is both individualistic and a direct descendant of the late pianist/teacher Lennie tristano. Substantial and refreshing. -- Lois Moody,

Piano and alto sax are paired in a program of nine originals, played with an inspired blend of strength, fire and lines drawn with a fine edge. Adventurous, fresh and rewarding.
-- Lois Moody, "Ottowa Citizen," 1988,
critic's choice for one of the top ten CDs of the year