Trumpeter
Joe Magnarelli
's third
Criss Cross
CD as a leader is his finest thus far. His five compositions, which include the
"Giant Steps"
-inspired
"215 #1,"
the
jazz waltz
"Our Song,"
and the two-part
"Blue Opus"
(a ballad,
"The Last Goodbye,"
and a
blues
,
"Mr. Mags"
) are among his most rewarding originals.
Magnarelli
and
Jim Snidero
blend together very well, particularly when
Snidero
is on flute, and both take contrasting solos, balancing lyricism with fire. With a solid rhythm section, a
tune and two
jazz standards
, this is a superior modern mainstream set, a date that will holds one's interest throughout. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow