Wondrous and rich sounds are delivered by Steve Turre as he focuses on warm moods in a variety of suave settings as he rotates songs with Kenny Barron/p, Buster Williams/b, Willie Jones III/dr, George Coleman/ts, Russell Malone/g and a string section conducted by Marty Sheller.
The strings serve as wonderful enhancements, never overstaying their welcome as they frame Turre’s warm vibrato on “The Very Thought of You.” The vet George Coleman joins in the strings for a gorgeous “Never Let Me Go” while Russell Malone adds fragrant touches as he teams with Turre and company on “The Shadow of Your Smile” and a bel canto “Danny Boy.” An intimate duet with the guitarist during “No Regrets” is gorgeous representation of class, style and reflection, with the artists using space as a sound. Even the duet with drummer Jones III on mallets is a mystical collection of sounds during “Freedom Park, SA.” In a regular band format, the band croons with Malone and Barron on “September in the Rain.” Turre and Barron do wonders on the mellow “Carolyn (In the Morning)” and are collectively cozy for “Sachiko.” Substance and style win out collectively here.