Don Sickler
has made numerous contributions as an arranger throughout his long career (though they aren't always properly credited), though this is only his sixth release as a leader. He concentrates exclusively on infrequently recorded compositions by a sextet of
post-bop
trumpeters, accompanied by a solid supporting cast: alto saxophonist/flutist
Bobby Porcelli
and pianist
Ronnie Mathews
(who both previously worked along with
Sickler
in
T.S. Monk
's band), bassist
Peter Washington
, and drummer
Ben Riley
.
Booker Little
, whose career was cut short at the age of just 23, is represented by
"Bee Tee's Minor Plea"
and
"The Grand Valse."
's approach to the first tune is more tightly woven than
Little
's 1960 recording, while the latter piece (a
waltz
) flows a bit smoother than the original; both arrangements utilize a second overdubbed trumpet for harmony in places.
Miles Davis
is represented by
"I Didn't"
(a barely disguised reworking of
Thelonious Monk
's
"Well You Needn't"
),
"Swing Spring,"
"Miles Ahead,"
"Denial,"
none of which have been recorded very often.
Tommy Turrentine
's career was overshadowed by his better-known brother, but
clearly savors his warm
ballad
"Gone but Not Forgotten"
with a masterful solo. Works by
Joe Gordon
,
Lonnie Hillyer
, and
Bill Hardman
also are treated to
's well-crafted arrangements. This is the best kind of recorded tribute; not only does this CD merit high praise, but it should motivate the true
jazz
aficionado to acquire all of the original recordings which inspired this very successful release. ~ Ken Dryden