Trombonist Michael Dease releases a solid mainstream/hard bop disc with a team of Steve Wilson/as, Renee Rosnes/p, Christian McBride/b and Ulysses Owens Jr/dr on this collection of jazz standards and originals. His cappuccino warm tone is a joy to behold, and he displays it magnificently on material like “Solid Gold” and “In A Sentimental Mood.” His chops are quite formidable but never gratuitous-get a load of his work on Freddie Hubbard’s “Take It To The Ozone” (which also includes Eric Alexander’s beefy tenor) as well as his dexterity on Oscar Peterson’s “Blues Etude.” Talk about moxie! The rock solid rhythm team works like the Fearsome Foursome, while Steve Wilson’s alto melds with Dease like a fresh Caesar Salad dressing. Yum!!!
D Clef Records