Hoop Dreams

A graceful, low-key session from a trumpeter capable of much more aggressive work, puts in front of a mellow rhythm section anchored by the reflective pianist , with occasional cool, -style guitar lines by . This lineup would tempt many players to turn lackadaisical, but even on the slowest, most relaxed arrangements of these ten tracks (such as the lovely, glacially paced take on the ), gooses things along with short, crisply played melodic lines and fleet solos that give a pep missing from some similar small-combo lineups. Most interestingly, however, uses this lineup to pay tribute to , offering intriguing reinterpretations of and that turn 's familiar spiky melodic lines into unexpectedly pretty ruminations that are a perfect fit with the relaxed, late-night vibe of . ~ Stewart Mason