Harrell, Tom
Bluebird, 2003, CD
Instrument: Trumpet
Issue: 10.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Classic
Performance: 5
Sound: 4+
Score: 
O’s Notes: The opener, “Paz”, has a Latin feel but Harrell moves this set into straight ahead jazz as well as a few cool funky jazz numbers and they all really swing. Not only does Tom (trumpet) arrange and compose the music for this session; he also gracefully allows all of the musicians to shine. “Straight To My Heart” is a beautiful warm ballad featuring Dianne Reeves; “Radiant Moon” is a swinger with singing from Claudia Acuña; and Cassandra Wilson joins Tom on “Leaves”, a vocalization of an earlier tune titled “Peace”. They get funky with nice solos from Tom and Jimmy Greene (ts) on “What Will They Think of Next” and “See You At Seven”. Forget about classifications, just sit back and enjoy the music!
