Wednesday 31 August 2011

Day 28: Ravi Coltrane In Flux [2005]

I did a gig with Ravi Coltrane. He was incredibly nice, and played great. I was overwhelmed with 1.) how much he looked like his father and 2.) trying not to play all my Coltrane language. Guess how successful I was!
You couldn't say that I was a Ravi Coltrane fan, I guess I just thought it was best to not get into making comparisons and the fairest way to do that was to avoid the whole thing. A year ago my good friend Ron Samsom came for a visit and gave me this CD. I kind of put off listening to it-but Ron kept bugging me so I checked it out. I'm glad I did. I really like the disc, the writing is interesting and the playing is great-especially his soprano sound. I really like it-it has a beautiful richness with just a hint of the famous Coltrane cry. Ravi  has his own sound and his own approach-I guess I'm surprised but really, should I be?? I like that Ravi doesn't exploit the family name but keeps quietly working to move his career forward. This album is gentle, soft and expansive, with beautiful, thoughtful playing!

Personnel: Ravi Coltrane (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Luis Perdomo (piano); Drew Gress (bass instrument); E.J. Strickland (drums); Luisito Quintero (percussion)

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Day 27: Kurt Elling The Gate [2011]

I first heard Kurt Elling while on a drive, the song was Tanya Jean and I pulled over to focus on what was being sung. Hearing someone put words to a Dexter Gordon solo was a new experience for me and I really liked it.

I have since seen Kurt twice (once in New Zealand) and he has an undeniably rich voice with a unique musical sensibility. He sings like a horn player would play. This album is filled with pop tunes originally by King Crimson, Joe Jackson, The Beatles, Earth Wind and Fire and Stevie Wonder but it isn't a pop album. One can assume the majority of arrangements are by the Pianist Lawrence Hobgood (as most of Kurts music is). The album is a bit more laid back than previous outings and is missing those wonderful solo interpretations that originally attracted me to his music (Check out Live at the Green Mill). Subtle but still beautiful, check out the Earth Wind and Fire cover of "After the Love is Gone" enjoy

Monday 29 August 2011

Day 26: kenny Garrett Sketches of MD (Live at the Iridium) [2008]

Kenny Garrett. I first heard Kenny with the influential young lion band of the 80's, OTB. He had such a "new" sound and what sounded to me like such an angular approach. Where did he come from and how come he sounded more like a tenor player than an altoist?!?
That dark sound and extensive use of Fourths was immediately interesting and engaging. I bought his first few records and really liked "African Exchange Student" but somewhere around his "Pursuance: Music of John Coltrane" album we had a break-up (this was 1996). Ten years later a good friend, Mark Dejong lent me "Kenny Garrett: Stand of Language" (which introduced me to the wonderful drummer Eric Harland!) I heard Kenny with fresh ears, he sounded more in tune and I liked what he was doing a bit more, but I digress....This album is interesting. It's live and owes a lot more to Coltrane and McCoy Tyner than Miles Davis (the MD in the title) I know Kenny played with Miles and made some fantastic music with him but this doesn't strike me as coming from that place. It's modal, featuring Coltrane alumni Pharoah Sanders and Kenny even draws some of his lines from the Coltrane legacy. The title track does employ electronics and does have a bit of a miles feel to it...but it's not quite there for me. Its a good record even if I think the title is a bit misleading. (PS. the last two tunes are straight up fun groove tunes!)

Sunday 28 August 2011

Day 25: Joel Frahm and Bruce Katz project A [2009]

I first met Joel in 1993, It was my second week of living in New Jersey and my Teacher Ralph Bowen got sick and sent me as a sub on a "Fins" gig. I had the time of my life. The band is a four horn blues band Joel was awesome!
I definitely learned a tonne playing beside Joel most weekends for two years. He has an amazing time feel, great Blues concept (as well as a modern jazz concept) and one of the strongest grooves going. He is also a super nice guy. Man!! some nights his solos would drive the audience crazy-it was a real treat being a part of that. I was searching itunes and stumbled upon this record. I bought it. It's got Joel on it. I always said no one plays the blues the way Joel Frahm does and now everyone can hear him tear it up (with just enough Jazz sensibilities to change it up). This album is fantastic!! enjoy.


Saturday 27 August 2011

Day 24 Don Grolnick Weaver of Dreams [1990]

I never actually owned "Weaver of Dreams" I believe my brother had borrowed it from trumpeter and composer Allan Gilliland. I remember going to a party and hearing this for the first time. I was shocked. It seemed all those great Brecker tunes were really written by Don Grolnick and his version of the tunes must be the way they were originally imagined. It opened up the whole idea of interpretation for me.
This album is as good as it gets. I was reminded of this yesterday talking with a friend about the perfect album. Not just superb playing but also the most balanced record with regards to content. I think a few records fall into that category for me...Michael Breckers "Two Blocks from the Edge" and Rick Margitza's "This is New" and I'm sure there are more. At any rate After Don's untimely passing in 1996 Blue note release a two CD album featuring both of Don's blue note records. It is a constant source of enjoyment and inspiration. A true gem!!!


Friday 26 August 2011

Day 23: Robert Glasper Canvas [2005]

It was late, maybe 3am or so and I was listening to music online when I decided to stop by the bluenote site to see if any new RVG editions had been released.  Robert Glasper was the feature artist so I clicked and heard his first cut "Rise and Shine". I immediately thought of young Chick Corea. I went to itunes and bought it right then!
I really enjoyed this album and was excited to take a chance on some new (to me) musicians. I feel this album helped change one of the directions jazz was going in. For the first time hip hop sensibilities had successfully made its way into a mainstream jazz recording. The rhythmic concept is different from most. This trio must have been doing this for a while for it to feel so great. Standouts for me are still Rise and Shine, Canvas and Jelly's da Beener.


Thursday 25 August 2011

Day 22: The President Plays with the Oscar Peterson Trio

I bought this record on the recommendation of one of my old saxophone teachers (Jeff Antoniuk). I had just spent four months imitating Ben Webster (to the complete frustration of my band mates) and thought I should branch out and listen to other swing era giants.
 I can't remember when I first heard Lester Young but it seems like he's always been there. I wasn't a huge fan, I just knew of his contribution to the lineage of great saxophone players. By the time I finally got around to checking him out I realized that I had been missing out on a significant contributor to the jazz lexicon. This album with Oscar is awesome. The solos are wonderfully played and the band seems to be having a great time making music together. The CD I have has an extra track with Lester singing (it takes) Two to tango. A real swinging affair!!


Wednesday 24 August 2011

Day 21: Larry Young Unity

Larry Young (organ) Woody Shaw (trumpet) Elvin Jones (drums) Joe Henderson (saxophone)
I bought this album from A & B sound in Edmonton AB. I had just returned from my first semester at Rutgers where I was told that I needed to buy two discs. I was told that these two albums (Larry Young's "Unity" being one of them) were essential for all students to own because these two records would become the standard that all rhythm sections would forever more try to live up to.

Alright then

I hope you enjoy one of the greatest jazz albums of all time!!



Tuesday 23 August 2011

Day 20: Michael Davis Bonetown [1999]

Bonetown. Trombone. Jazz music.


My entire musical life I have known about the trombone, my twin brother plays it (Craig Brenan-check out the Modo trio) and I have probably heard every "cool" trombone album in existence. Contrary to popular belief I actually like the trombone and gravitate towards players with a warm tone, and a clean separation between notes (they are playing a slide after all). I believe the trombone is starting to regain popularity, there seems to be a new wave of trombonists emerging in the jazz world-my favourite being Michael Dease. The best part about these younger players is that they are not letting the instrument limit what or how they play, some of them have as much range and facility as saxophonists and trumpeters. Way to go Trombone! I "borrowed' this album from a student while I was living and working in New Zealand. I haven't listened to it for 8 years. It's a fine album the band is Joey Calderazzo (piano) John Pattitucci (bass) and Will Kennedy (drums) and feature both Michael Davis and Bill Reichenbach on trombone and euphonium. The rhythm section plays with a lot of fire and interaction but not when the trombones are playing. It's a bit strange, I imagine the trombone solos must have been over dubbed (which is fine). Overall the album reminds me of a yellowjackets record but with trombone. It is a bit hard to describe as it's kind of a fusion record but with a bit more of a jazz persuasion. confused? so am I. Its a good record but just one I probably wont listen to again.


Monday 22 August 2011

Day 19: Takin' Care of Business - Charlie Rouse Quintet

I first heard of Charlie Rouse when a fellow student of the saxophone suggested that (our teacher at the time) Gordon Towell sounded a lot like him.

I checked out the album "Unsung hero" and I did hear a definite similarity to Gord and a strong post bop/rollinsesque approach to his playing. I later found out he performed a lot with Thelonious Monk and later helped form the band "Sphere". Charlie had a full career as a jazz musician until his death at the age of 64 (lung cancer). I must say this is a good record to check out, its filled with solid jazz language and is expertly played by the entire band. A great session for Charlie, but the band of Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Walter Bishop (piano), Earl May (bass) and Art Taylor (drums) definitely hold their own and at times may even outshine the leader on his own date. I bought this album at the Princeton record exchange in Princeton New Jersey. They have a great selection of Jazz CD's, I'm always surprised what I find there and always amazed that people would trade in such gems as this one.


Sunday 21 August 2011

Day 18: The Tubes Outside Inside [1983]

The Tubes. This is not a jazz record. I bought this on cassette in 1983 after hearing and loving their previous record "the completion backwards principle".
I haven't listened to this in a number of years and grabbing it from the shelf was a bit of surprise-a complete surprise. At any rate I distinctly remember listening to this over and over again one night while I was delivering flyers for a real estate company my mother worked for. I listened to "Wild Women of Wongo" and "Tip of my Tongue" over and over that night, so much so that I can remember the exact location and even what I was wearing (hi Mark Frend!!). That's the power of music! As I was listening I found myself singing all of the songs, it was great. A real treat to reminisce with this record. I found out much later that the Tubes in the studio were much different from the live Tubes. The studio band (produced by David Foster) eventually became 80's pop powerhouse Toto. I liked them too. I kept an eye out for the studio musicians who made up the group but mostly followed Jeff Pocaro (drums) he was fantastic!
 I hope you enjoy this record! Here is "Tip of my Tongue"

Saturday 20 August 2011

Day 17: Mel Lewis & the Jazz Orchestra featuring the music of Bob Brookmeyer [1982]

I first heard this while attending St. FX, at one of the music parties someone put this on and I was mesmerized by the writing. I immediately had to listen to the track "the nasty dance" a few more times and was in awe at how tight the band played. I didn't realize until much later that this is a live recording.


There are only six charts on the disc and they feature solos from the likes of: Dick Oats, Tom Harrell, Joe Lovano, Jim McNeely, Kenny Garrett and of course Bob Brookmeyer and Mel Lewis. This was a record of firsts for me in many ways-the first time I heard Joe Lovano, the first time I really enjoyed big band and started to hear that there was more to large ensemble writing then Count Basie. This is a great, hard to find CD, but a fantastic disc filled with beautiful music!!!

Friday 19 August 2011

Day 16 Florian Ross Eightball and Whitehorse [2007]

I met Florian in '97 at one of Hugh Frazers workshops in Vancouver. He is a Fantastic composer, great musician and a great guy. I love his playing, and I love hanging with him (although it's been years!). One day in 2007 I got a package in the mail-I was completely surprised to find this album! I didn't ask for it-it just came. Florian is great that way.
Four saxophones, piano bass and drums, what could be better? this album is a fantastic representation of Florians aristry-his ability to write beautiful tunes that are a joy to solo over. I highly recommend Wolongong sketch-it has a Kieth Jarret flavour and is such a warm vibe. The album is filled with great solos and interesting writing. It never gets "too clever" it's just great writing and playing. I suppose as a European release it may not have received the attention it deserves in North America. I suggest everyone check this out. Here is a clip of Florian playing organ with some trombone guy!!


Thursday 18 August 2011

Day 15 Taking Chances Terell Stafford Live at the Dakota [2007]

I first met Terell (briefly) when I was at Rutgers, he had already graduated but just stopped by for a lesson with Prof (Bill Fielder) he was really nice and for some reason the meeting stuck with me. Fast forward to 2007 and he recorded on a CD I made with my brother: The Brenan Brothers Throwdown. I didn't know much about Terell except that he plays the trumpet in a way that reminds me of older players. His playing on "live at the Dakota" is no different.
Terell is fluid but possesses a lot of chops. He has great range without being showy. He's just a supremely musical guy that always plays beautifully. My brother Craig and I were in Philly at a club when we first heard Terell live. He played Wayne Shorters Indian dance, I think it was one of the first tunes I had heard in 5/4 and it made an impression (so much so that my brother ended up tracking down the song-pre itunes, and transcribed it). I have to say I prefer studio outings to live records. I think its the consistency of playing and/or the recording quality. This live disc is so well recorded I thought it was a studio record. The band is in sync with each other, they sound like they are having a great time. Dana Hall on drums is fiery without over playing, Bruce Barth on piano is solid (as he is on everything he does), the under rated Tim Warfield sounds great, especially on soprano and unknown to me Derrick Hodge on bass is solid throughout. The standout is Terell's ballad playing. He is just such a great interpreter of melodies!! If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Terell this is a great place to start. enjoy.





Wednesday 17 August 2011

Day 14: Claus Ogerman Featuring Michael Brecker [1991]

I have been swamped these past three days. I'm in the middle of jazz camp so I don't have as much time early in the day to check out some music, which means the posts are coming later and later. I have been choosing CD's by random and have noticed that for the most part I have really enjoyed everything (except Brian Blade seasons of change). This will most likely be my most negative review so far. Claus Ogerman featuring Michael Brecker, it doesn't even have a great title.
Weak. I remember when this album came out and was actually pretty excited about it, as I have the first Ogerman album with Brecker: Cityscapes. Cityscapes is a fantastic CD that I have listened to dozens and dozens of times. This album...not so much. I've listened to this once and I don't think I'll go back for seconds. Brecker is fantastic, but the songs all seem to be re-worked versions of the tunes on Cityscapes and they just don't have that wonderful orchestral warmth the first record did. It's a weak attempt at trying to recreate a musical masterpiece. I don't get it. And I don't like it. Maybe its me but I think so much more could have been done. Cityscapes is just such a great album, and this is not.

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Day 13: Sonny Stitt sits in with the Oscar Peterson Trio

This is a quick one. My good friend Mike Rud introduced me to the "sits in" with Oscar Peterson series.

There are many great records: Stan Getz, Sonny Stitt, Ben Webster, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Eldridge, Harry Edison, Clark Terry, and Jon Faddis. These records are fantastic-and my favourite is the one with Sonny Stitt. In fact, I am a HUGE Sonny Stitt fan. I have yet to find a record I don't like. I have transcribed dozens of his solos and everyone is filled with beautiful jazz language. He epitomizes the bop/hard bop era for me. He plays with a great time feel and makes the changes every time. Easily in my top five saxophone players of all time. I love Sonny Stitt!!! Below is something fun followed by a great track from this record. enjoy!

Monday 15 August 2011

Day 12: Joe Henderson Big Band [1996]

I was surprised when this album came out, I mean, Joe Henderson playing in a big band!?! AND he wrote a bunch of the arrangements? Wha??

It turns out he had a short lived big band in the mid sixties. The big band was a vehicle for his larger composition ideas. A lot of fantastic NY musicians played in that band, unfortunately it didn't last very long and they rarely played in public. I first heard this album while I was at the Wind Shoppe in Edmonton Alberta getting my horn fixed. Scott and Russ constantly have music playing and this was either on the radio or they were playing the actual disc I can't remember. I either bought this CD or borrowed it from them and never returned it (oops) at any rate the disc is very well recorded and the two different bands play great throughout. Joe sounds great throughout. His sound always comes across so big on recording while live he was very quiet-The first time I saw Joe play I don't think he ever played near the microphone and thinking back I can't actually remember really hearing him (even though I was in the front row)-he was so quiet! At any rate he comes through as the dominant soloist on this album filled with some of his most well known songs. the arrangements are done by Joe, Slide Hampton, Bob Belden and Mike Mossman. All excellent arrangers, I may be biased but Mossman's Recordame is a real standout!!

Sunday 14 August 2011

Day 11: Ralph Peterson Back to Stay [1999]

I had completely forgot about this fantastic album until my good friend Jon McCaslin asked if I had any Ralph Peterson he could borrow.

I have know about Ralph for a long time (he spent some time in my home town: Edmonton). He was the drummer for OTB, one of the most influential bands of my youth. His incredibly hard driving full-tilt swing is so bombastic, its like three drummers falling down the stairs but all the while maintaining a serious groove!! I love this record, but not because of Ralph Peterson. I love it because Ralph Bowen and Michael Brecker are on it AND they trade solos on the first track-it's heaven! The energy Bowen and Brecker bring to this odd meter outing is off the charts. Brecker on tenor and Bowen on soprano are perfect foils as they go head to head. Bowen remains on soprano for the rest of the album (minus "Soul Eyes" a Brecker feature) and is quite simply awesome. I received this album as a gift from Ralph, I have never seen it for sale, but a quick scan and it's available on itunes. (Miles Mode is another standout). I'll attach a video so you can get an idea of what Ralph Peterson is all about. enjoy




Saturday 13 August 2011

Day 10: Herbie Hancock The Prisoner [1969]

I remember seeing this album at used record stores and always being curious about what exactly was going on-did it have anything to do with the British T.V. show? (which I had seen but thought really odd)

Turning the album over the instrumentation never seemed to make any sense to me.  I didn't recognize the majority of the players so the album never made it home (even though Joe Henderson is on the record). Twenty years later I started buying the Rudy Van Gelder re-issues of Blue Note classics and decided to give this a try, by now I knew a few more names on the record and the instrumentation seemed to hold so many possibilities. The arrangements are very beautiful and creative, flute is used prominently throughout (Hubert Laws or Jerome Richardson) and the brass are used subtly, which I find gives the record a very lush sound. The solos by Joe are iconic and he plays without reserve throughout. I "think" the solos were overdubbed as the reverb can get a bit heavy. The real standout on the album is the trio of Herbie Hancock on piano, Buster Williams on bass and Tootie Heath on Drums. The recording levels have the rhythm section up in the mix, which I find really brings out the energy of the ensemble. Plus the band is really swinging!!!enjoy


Friday 12 August 2011

Day 9: Joonatan Rautio Trio - Commitment [2010]

Just a quick one for today-and Thanks to everyone who made album suggestions! I checked out a few and I will definitely review a few of them. I first met Finnish saxophonist Joonatan Raution in Poland at the Krakow Jazz festival and was immediately taken with his playing.

Joonatan has great chops, very imaginative lines and a great sound. He has that modern blend of Coltrane and Brecker that so many tenor players attempt without just playing licks-he has the sound. I don't think he's too well known in North America but he should be. This album is Bass, drums and saxophone and the songs are mostly originals (that sound almost like a song you know....but not quite) The final track Commitment is a definite standout. I should point out that this record is a 180 degree departure from his previous CD (medicine) which is a gospel influenced fusion project. Joonatan is fantastic and I hope becomes more well known!

Thursday 11 August 2011

Day 8: SF JAZZ Collective vol.1

A few months ago a great clip of the SF Jazz collective performing Stevie Wonders Superstition made the rounds on face book, and I was struck with the inventiveness of the arrangement. I find that "re-working" classic pop tunes can be hit or miss, but Superstition was great!!
 After hearing superstition I tracked down the first two records. They don't have the exact same line-up (as on superstition) but the playing and arrangements are very creative, and inventive. Definitely a very fresh take on jazz music. I have to say I am really taken with the arrangements on this record. This album is perfect for sitting down and listening to. It feels like a complete concert and it definitely needs your 100% attention. The first volume was released in 2004 yet it could have been recorded and performed yesterday, and I should point out that Bobby Hutcherson is a definite standout on the vibes (coming from someone who never really dug Bobby's playing....) Check this out-it is fantastic!!

I chose the superstition clip, as that's what got me interested in the band-enjoy






Wednesday 10 August 2011

Day 7: McCoy Tyner Infinity

I hadn't heard this entire album until today, I knew about it and knew that Michael Breckers impressions solo won a Grammy award but for some reason I stayed away.

It was 1996, and I think I saw this album less about making music and more about selling discs - I probably thought that there was no reason to try and recreate what McCoy and Coltrane had done. At any rate a student of mine came in with a transcription from this album and we spent a few weeks tearing it apart and looking at Breckers language. I have to say this is a great record, the music is varied the band plays well and McCoy and Brecker sounds fantastic together! (Breckers Grammy winning solo is fantastic!). I suppose I can say it has definitely been worth the wait. You can check out Breckers Grammy award winning solo HERE and listen to the track below

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Day 6: Jose James Black Magic

I was first introduced to Jose James through a great dancer at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) Kaleb Tekeste. He lent me a copy of "the Dreamer".

Jose's voice has a dreamlike quality, very different from anything I have heard, but at the same time it reminds me a little of those great 70's singers like Bill Withers and Donny Hathaway. I find Jose's voice very intriguing-sort of addictive.  This record is produced by Flying Lotus amongst others. This is definitely a chill out record. I hope you enjoy the first single: The code

Monday 8 August 2011

Day 5: The Bad Plus Prog

Once again I was late to the party-It seemed for a while there the Bad Plus was all anyone was talking about. I bought Prog through amazon (or maybe emusic).


The record opens up with a beautifully recorded version of the Tears for Fears hit "Everybody wants to rule the World" very well played with fantastic interaction between this trio (Bass, Drums, Piano. look, no saxophone!) I have to say I am drawn to the cover tunes as I really like the re-imagining of tunes I grew up with. Check out "Tom Sawyer" and "This guys in love with you". I can't be certain but it seems each track takes a slightly different approach to recording and/or the instruments seem to be changing through the tracks. Very interesting. and a very cool record.


Sunday 7 August 2011

Day 4: Zoot Sims Bohemia after Dark (1956)

I was introduced to Zoot Sims through The Jack Kerouac album "Blues and Haikus". I had never heard of Jack or Zoot but it was on my brothers Christmas wish list so I picked up the complete Jack Kerouac box set for him. I really enjoyed those records but for some reason Zoot never really caught on with me. A few years ago I started asking players about their early influences and was surprised to find out Ralph Bowen was a big fan. So I looked into Zoot Sims. This album was a joy to listen to. Zoot plays a lot of terrific lines somewhat reminiscent of Stan Getz. He's one of those players that has an effortless flow-like every note he plays is the perfect choice. The band plays really well together and the recording quality is very warm. Highly recommended!! (woody 'n you is a favourite-I hope you enjoy it)

Saturday 6 August 2011

Day 3 Brian Blade and the fellowship band Season of Changes

For some reason while listening to this I had a nagging desire to wash dishes ?!? Ok, this album is good, it is pleasant but it doesn't hit me the way I know it does for many, many people. That said I absolutely LOVE Brian Blades playing. I bought this album through amazon, the hype announced it as "the new Coltrane quartet" (or the Coltrane quartet for our generation... or something along those lines) so I might have been skeptical upon first listening, but I have just finished listening to it and I still don't "Love" it. Sure, there is some great playing but I just can't quite put my finger on why it leaves me a bit cold. Ultimately its a good CD but it is not on heavy rotation.

Friday 5 August 2011

Day 2 Rick Margitza Memento

Today's album is from Rick Margitza. I have been a fan since he first came on the scene and recently I borrowed this album from my good friend Carsten Rubeling (to be honest I borrowed this a year ago..oops)

I have no idea what the album cover means but the music is fantastic. I was actually surprised that I had not heard this 2001 release before. the band plays great, the tunes are interesting and Rick is playing very clean interesting solos with that fantastic sound of his. A number of tracks are blues based so its interesting to hear him play familiar progressions. I have listened to this many times and even transcribed some of the iconic Margitza language. Its a really great listen!!


Thursday 4 August 2011

The 30 day challenge!

I have decided that my thirty day challenge will be to listen to one CD a day. As a musician you would think this would be quite easy, but as it turns out it's not, I just don't set aside enough time for dedicated listening anymore. To make this a little bit more of a challenge I have set up some rules. 1. There can be no distractions while listening to the disc-that means I can not listen while driving or doing stuff around the house. 2. I must listen to the disc all the way through, no breaks-this might mean a bit more planning but it can be done. I have a lot of music that I could definitely be more familiar with, so this is going to be a great 30 days!! oh yah, and 3. I'm going to write a short review of each disc.

My first disc is Eric Alexander: Man with a Horn
This album was given to me by my good friend Jerrold Dubyk, if I remember correctly he went through a pretty big Eric Alexander phase and thought I might like this one. I do, it has a nice blend of standards and originals and features Eric in a quartet and with Jim Rotondi (trumpet); Steve Davis (trombone) in a sextet. Eric plays with a big sound and plays a lot of Dexter vocabulary, definitely coming out of the bop-hard bop era. For my tastes there could be more interaction between the rhythm section and the soloists but the album definitely swings and is filled with some great language!