Saxophonist Donny McCaslin left the Patil Theater audience in awe Friday night at the second installment of the 2022-23 Harker Concert Series season. Backed by bassist Drew Gress and drummer Jonathan Blake, the acclaimed soloist and composer’s setlist consisted entirely of original songs, starting with the appropriately named “Fast Brazil,” an up-tempo number inspired by the rhythm of Brazil’s baião rhythm. He made his virtuosity apparent almost immediately with stunning chromatic runs, but made sure not to chew too much of the scenery by allowing Blake plenty of time for a rhythmically precise and musical drum solo.

Other highlights included “Page One,” an homage to saxophonist Joe Henderson, which featured an urgent, driving bassline and beautiful cymbal work, and “I Hear a Rhapsody,” which opened with an exhilarating McCaslin solo into a strolling rhythm that became increasingly frantic before ending with McCaslin and Blake trading solos.

The ensemble received a well-deserved standing ovation after “Fat Cat,” the breezy, extended closing number that featured stunning solos from every member. Shortly after, McCaslin met with concertgoers in the lobby for photos and autographs.