Trombonist Jason Jackson puts together an impressive big band session with a rotating band that includes all stars Jeff Clayton/as, Pete Christlieb/ts, Bill Warous/tbn, Rufus Reid/b, Roy Hargrove/tp, Terell Stafford/tp and Steve Wilson/as. Almost all the tunes are composed by the leader, and the sizzling “Brazilian Bop” and swirling and velvety “Tenderly” are augmented by a rich string section. Other impressive pieces such as the bluesy “Wake Up Election 2000” (which was obviously written before Obama’s latest disappearance from responsibility) and “El Huesero” include not even impressive spotlights on the leader, but plenty of space for the likes of Wilson and Stafford to show their wares. Hargrove glistens on “April In Paris” which also includes Roger Jones II’s elegant piano. Sophisticated, yes, but also a lady.
Jack & Hill Music