Trumpeter Sean Jones has made a name for himself in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, but he’s also put out a handful of impressive releases of his own. This is his first one in a strict quartet setting, with Orrin Evans/p, Luques Curtis/b and Obed Calvaire/dr, and it’s quite a treat!
He’s got a gorgeously warm and bright tone, and he can take it a bit outside as on “60th & Broadway” or can make it cry and wail during the slow, soulful and pensive walk of “Dark Times.” He and the team goes coy and dainty on a restrained take of “How High The Moon” and let it all hang out on the head shaking “IDGAD Blues.” Calvaire and Curtis supply some hip interplay while Jones goes muted on a Nefertiti-ish “Interior Motive” and Evans gives off his influence to Bill on “We’ll Meet Under the Stars.” Jones can really milk a note and make it sigh, as he gives a bright sunrise light on “The Morning After” as well as a gentle tribute to his mom with Evans’ reflective piano on the embracing “Not While I’m Around.” This guy’s got the goods!
Mack Avenue Records