On the Edge

As a follow-up to the CD, trombonist has gone that disc one better, not so much in improvising the band or song selections, but infusing more energy and excitement into the proceedings. As a mature player who also writes, he offers hefty charts that his players can dig their musical teeth into. He's also able to put his own modern, mainstream stamp on the jazz of this 20-25 piece band. It's not a head-solos-tail ABA proposition; instead, charts are written to fill cracks, intersect, or connect solos, and to create transitions between segments. wrote four of the 11 tracks. The title cut is a good, wailing swinger a la , , or , as is for . As the leader, takes artistic license to solo extensively, but on a bluesy, shuffling baritone saxophonist obliges with a big, scattishly low-slung solo contrasting the trombonists quick-witted improv. A Latin mambo-cha cha with 's puckish soprano and 's tumbleweed trumpet solos is the centerpiece of while is a high flying number a la / , with 's solo very much like in soul and stance. The standards have different perspectives from various modern jazz aspects. 's has the standard slight Brazilian feel with wafting flutes joining upper register horns and reeds, and an active, energizing solo by pianist . by is lush and exotic, while a nice bluesy version of best displays 's warm sound and 's lithe alto work. The number has playing the second line melody on his trombone -- a tricky, difficult part written for an electric bass (more capable of playing this fast), but pulls it off. The highlights are the piece with 's original chart, the hardest swinger of the date with 's fleet trumpet solo, and & squaring off on individual tenor sax solos. An interp of is precious, a power-packed chart loaded with soul and dynamics, where the band acts as if it was written for them -- again and piquant trumpeter get the spotlight on this tune that has been neglected in the larger repertoire. Then there's echoing love and regret with high-end drama and dynamics to suit the disparity between these two undeniably linked emotions. Highly recommended, and a must-buy for those who cherish this style of music. ~ Michael G. Nastos