Jeff Andrew Simpson, saxophone, flute; Marcus Printup, trumpet; Bill O'Connell, piano; Lincoln Goines, bass; Kim Plainfield, drums; Romero Lubambo, guitar; Roland Guerrero, percussion; Allan Harris, vocals
There is a sophisticated feel to this CD; excellent, clean-cut, straight-ahead Jazz. Leader Jeff Andrew Simpson plays saxophone and a nicely toned airy flute.
It must be a great joy to have a trumpeter of the quality of Marcus Printup in your band; the man never disappoints, technically clean and inventive, he shares the lead with Simpson, and they blend well.
There is a pleasant vocal by Allan Harris in "Daddy's Lullaby," and "Off the Border," Latin-flavored and smooth, stands out as does "I've Told Ev'ry Little Star," based on an arrangement by saxophone great Sonny Rollins.
All the numbers have something to offer and are well played by this cohesive group.
By Ferdinand Maylin