Label: HighNote Records, 2024
Personnel - Tom Harrell: trumpet, flugelhorn; Mark Turner: tenor saxophone (#1,2,3,9,10); Dayna Stephens: tenor saxophone (#4,5,6,8); Luis Perdomo: piano, Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes; Charles Altura: acoustic and electric guitar (#2,3,5,7); Ugonna Okegwo: bass; Adam Cruz: drums.
Once again, American trumpeter and composer Tom Harrell makes the best use of tradition and modernity in jazz in his latest outing, Alternate Summer. A lyrical storyteller and prolific artist, Harrell maintains his reputation for producing high-quality work, consistently earning the admiration of his listeners. This new effort features ten new original compositions performed by a stellar lineup of collaborators—most of them familiar faces alongside a fresh addition—that bring Harrell’s distinctive style to life.
“Miramar” thrives on a staccato central melody set against a bluesy, groovy texture that supports inventive improvisations. Harrell’s classy statement bridges the realms of hard-bop and post-bop, while saxophonist Mark Turner and keyboardist Luis Perdomo contribute richly melodic passages. Turner’s blistering licks shine even brighter on “Peanut”, a post-bop tune with funk undercurrents, and “Alternate Summer”, a breezy ballad that exudes warmth.
Recording with Harrell for the first time, tenorist Dayna Stephens appears on four pieces - “Intermezzo”, an elegant, low-key 3/4 piece adorned by a wonderful bass solo by Ugonna Okegwo and Harrell’s heavenly reflections; “UV”, a shifting-meter blues that incorporates diffusing B3 organ textures, a sinuous yet intelligible electric guitar solo by Charles Altura, and a vamp for Adam Cruz’s pile-driving drums; “Chalcedon”, a lush post-bop piece with a captivating melody and in-the-groove work by Perdomo; and “Plateau”, which, unfolding with epic ambition, has a pulsating rhythm bassline charting the way forward.
“Wind”, one of the album’s standout tracks, is a serene modal composition anchored by an insistent pedal point and enlivened by unison trumpet-sax melodies and vibrant interplay. There are contrapuntal moves, and a more freeing, funkified texture in support of solos from Perdomo, Turner (who excels with his inside/outside tenor phrasing), and Harrell. For the latter’s improvisation, the band shifts to a 3/4 bossa-flavored groove.
The album concludes on a high note with the intoxicating “Radius”, which evokes the spirit of Joe Henderson. Here, the ensemble engages in a rhythmically intricate and unfettered dialogue, showcasing their collective chemistry and virtuosity. With Alternate Summer, Harrell once again proves himself to be a masterful, articulate trumpet lead, delivering with precision and emotional depth.
Favorite Tracks:
04 - Intermezzo ► 06 - Chalcedon ► 09 - Wind ► 10 - Radius