ProJazz.net

This CD is most notable for featuring ten of trumpeter Tom Harrell’s compositions. Few of the melodies from the harmonically advanced originals will stick in one’s mind after one or two listens, but the solos are excellent (and in Harrell’s case, often exquisite) and the generally melancholy moods of the advanced hard bop pieces are memorable in their own way. In addition to Harrell, Joe Lovano is in fine form on tenor, soprano and alto, Cheryl Pyle’s two guest appearances on flute are a bonus and the rhythm section is supportive and alert with pianist Danilo Perez emerging as a major soloist, taking the title cut as a lyrical free improvisation duet with Harrell. An intriguing and thought-provoking session (Scott Yanow/AllMusic).

The true poets of jazz are rare beings. They’re also hard to define, but once you’ve been touched by their music, you know who fits the mold and who doesn’t. It is time to recognize Tom Harrell as a player who has emerged forcefully from the ranks to earn his rightful place in the trumpet hierarchy. This band has the feel of a true partnership. While the songs come from Harrell’s fertile imagination, there’s a sense of trust and compatibility among the players (Jazz Messengers).

The album is nearly 70 minutes of endlessly fascinating, often intense jazz that moves seamlessly from the tender to the hard-edged to the joyous. No one but no one is writing and executing quite like Harrell.” – Bob Young, Jazziz

Track listing:

1 Touch The Sky 6:36
2 Suite Dreams 5:42
3 Papaya Holiday 7:57
4 Bell 5:14
5 Passages 6:02
6 Lakeside Drive 7:40
7 A Good Bye Wave 6:05
8 Expresso Bongo 7:58
9 Madrigal 8:01
10 It’s Up To Us 5:51

Personnel:

Tom Harrell – trumpet, flugelhorn
Joe Lovano – tenor, soprano & alto saxophone
Danilo Perez – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Paul Motian – drums
Café – percussion

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Label: Chesky Records – Chesky JD64, Chesky Records – JD64
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1992
Recorded: October 10, 1991 – October 11, 1991
Studio: BGM Studio, New York, NY