TOM HARRELL”Labyrinth”RCA Victor* * 1/2Trumpeter Harrell, despite...

TOM HARRELL

“Labyrinth”

RCA Victor

* * 1/2

Trumpeter Harrell, despite his relatively low visibility as one of the finest jazz trumpeters in the world, has an opportunity on this session to demonstrate the full range of his abilities--both as an improvising soloist and as a resourceful composer. Working with a first-rate quintet that includes saxophonist Don Braden and pianist Kenny Werner, Harrell is joined on five tracks--in this, his initial release for RCA Victor--by a small wind ensemble featuring saxophonist Joe Lovano and trombonist Steve Turre.

Fast company, but no less than Harrell deserves as associates. The problem is that, with so many other voices to be heard, Harrell’s solo space is far too limited. Talented composer though he may be, it is his improvisational mastery that distinguishes him. And, in fact, the most intriguing track is a simple, basic performance of the only non-Harrell piece, “Darn That Dream,” in which he plays with the sole backing (via multi-tracking) of his own piano accompaniment. With nothing more than block chords as a foundation, Harrell takes the song through a rich gamut of melodic permutations without ever losing contact with its essence as a ballad.

*

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