Ray Vega and Thomas Marriott make up a two pronged battering ram as they bring their trumpets to the front line along with a soulful rhythm team of George Colligan/B3 and Matt Jorgenson/dr. Jorgenson lays down the groove for some hard bopping blowers such as “The Egyptian” and the ride cymbal snapping “United” that includes staccato hand claps to keep the ride bustling. The horns have fun with the shuffle boogie of a soul-filled “The Bourgeoloo” and “Totem Pole” which have the horns lock together. The trumpeters have definitely imbibed from the Lee Morgan well, as they can make it smooth and sleek as on the mix of muted and open horns on a luscious “Misty” or hush their tones together on the bopping “Quasimodo.” When they open up, it’s Muscle Beach in Venice as the veins pop out on a driving “What Is This Thing Called Love.” Vintage toe tapping with a B3 chaser.
Origin Records