So, which guy is the “+1” of trumpeter Ian Carey’s Quintet? They all sound fairly necessary here. You get Jon Arkin/dr, Sheldon Brown/bcl, Kasey Knudsen/as, Fred Randolph/b and Adam Shulman/p all contributing major parts in a IV part suite plus interlude, along with a single piece “Big Friday.” Of the latter, the clever composition mixes a stately collection of warm tones and pace with the leader’s velvety trumpet and Brown’s rich reed before the flip gets switch to an optimistically driven ending with Knudsen and Shulman racing to the finish line. Of the “Interview Music” Suite, there’s a funereal trumpet an d brooding bass clarinet on “III” while Arkin’s cymbal pulsates to the moody bass and piano lines that bop along during “II”. Impressive swing is on display as Knudsen’s alto delivers rich long tones on the funky “I” and Arkin’s horn glows on the inviting “IV.” The sounds abound in fullness here, and the composing is quite attractive, keeping you on your toes.
Kabocha Records