Trumpeter Eddie Allen leads a cooking session of hard bop beauties on this session with Keith Loftis/ts, Dion Tucker/tb, Misha Tsiganov/key, Mark Soskin/p, Kenny Davis and EJ Strikland/dr. Except for ballad standard “Who Can I Turn To?” (which spotlights the leader’s luscious tone) all of the tunes are composed by the trumpeter, with exciting results. Lurking behind the driving “Nakia” are keyboard induced strings, while a a funky gospel takes over on “Hillside Strut.” Soskin provides some lovely piano work on “With Open Arms” while some snapping pizzicato work is delivered by Davis on”Caress” The rhythm team digs deep and comes up with gold on “Push” while Tucker’s trombone is sly on “Whispers in the Dark.” This disc makes jazz fun to listen to again.
Edjalen Music
www.eddieallen.net