Frank Rotondi displays his golden tone on both trumpet and flugelhorn on this album with a jazz rhythm section of Danny Grissett/p, Karol Hadas/b and Mario Gonzi/dr supported by a jazz orchestra of reeds, brass and strings. What sets this apart from the usual “horn and strings” album is that almost all of the composition are Rotondi’s own, making the music an introduction in more ways than one. His horn is simply delightful on the shaded “Dark Blue” and lyrical Ruth”, and he gives a little solo space for his guests, including Herwig Gradischnig/bs on the autumnal ‘Going To The Son” and the nocturnal “Ladybug” featuring Grissett. Dick Oatt’s soprano sax glides on “Falset” and trombonist Steve Davis joins with Martin Fuss’ alto on an impressionistic “In Graz”. The album begs to be taken in as a whole, like a sweeping panorama of ideas. Radiant reads.