A decade before Habana was made, while still in high school hard boppin' trumpeter Hargrove met Wynton Marsalis. The association launched a fruitful and productive career, eventually taking him to Havana where he found the inspiration for this outstanding record. Made with a topnotch band including Irakere founder Chucho Valdes.
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Soul On Soul Dave Douglas 2000 [RCA Victor]
For his major label debut trumpeter Douglas produced some of the most accessible music of his career. Continuing his series of tributes to artists who have influenced him, Soul pays homage to perpetually modern pianist Mary Lou Williams and includes four of her finest compositions. The rest are Williams-inspired Douglas originals.
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Ethnic Stew and Brew Roy Campbell Pyramid Trio 2000 [Delmark]
Never afraid to try something new, the title of this record from trumpeter Roy Campbell largely gives away its origins and intentions. Campbell puts his interest in world music to good use pumping out some fairly melodic avant-garde with elements of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Campbell's Pyramid Trio features William Parker on bass.
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Live at the Village Vanguard Tom Harrell 2001 [Bluebird]
Harrell overcame the effects of schizophrenia to become one of the top hard bop trumpeters in jazz. Unfortunately, his studio albums never quite seem to do his talents full justice. His first live record is a step forward, culling the best performances from a stand at the Village Vanguard. Let's hope for a sterling studio effort sometime soon.
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Suspended Night Tomasz Stanko Quartet 2004 [ECM]
Following on from the mesmerising Soul of Things, this record again features Stanko's now-seasoned Polish trio. As the title suggests, the record is a journey through a night that has become suspended in its own timelessness. The music is melodic, yet inventive. A remarkably mature record that signals the rise of a major artist.
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Flow Terence Blanchard 2005 [Blue Note]
Over a career of what many would say is characterised by unfulfilled potential, trumpeter Terence Blanchard comes close with this one. Produced by Herbie Hancock, his second for the Blue Note label at times proves Blanchard well-capable of cutting loose. At others he is at his melodic straightahead best.
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It's Mostly Residual Cuong Vu 2005 [ArtistShare]
A major step forward for Vietnamese-born avant-garde trumpeter Cuong Vu, who is obviously benefiting from time spent with the Pat Metheny Group. While previous excursions straddled the fringes, Residual impresses with its sonic soundscapes of densely layered urban textures and ample quieter moments of respite.
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Live at the House of Tribes Wynton Marsalis 2005 [Blue Note]
An intimate setting and a good backing band was all Wynton Marsalis needed to recapture some of the glory of his 1980s recordings. An energetic set of standards, alto saxophonist Wessell 'Warmdaddy' Anderson is the standout in support. A back-to-basics live set that should please long-suffering fans of the great trumpeter.
