Spirit Songs

Although this CD has a picture of holding a trumpet on its cover, the Princeton music professor does not actually play at all on this set. Instead, he contributed eight originals for the all-star sextet, music that recalls at the time that was in the group, and the early . The music is -oriented, both swinging and modern, and a little derivative. Most of the selections have religious titles, but since this is an instrumental date, 's faith is primarily expressed in the passionate and spiritual solos of the musicians rather than in words. The chord changes are stimulating to the musicians even if none of the melodies are particularly memorable, and there are plenty of fine solos, particularly from altoist and tenor saxophonist . All in all, this is a solid outing. Hopefully will add his own trumpet to his next recording project. ~ Scott Yanow