Vibe Up!

' fourth set as a leader has a different instrumentation than his previous sets. The trombonist is teamed with vibraphonist and guitarist in a sextet/septet that also includes pianist , bassist , drummer , and (on three of the eight songs) altoist . , who in addition to being a -inspired trombonist is an underrated composer, wrote five of the eight songs and the band also plays ' and one song apiece from and ( ). Despite the unfamiliar material, the swinging style is quite accessible to straight-ahead listeners and the blend between the trombone, vibes, and guitar is quite attractive. All of sets are well worth acquiring. ~ Scott Yanow