The music on
Winard Harper's Epicure release (Art Blakey-ish romps, boogaloos, ballads, and bop) is straight from vintage Blue Note stylewise, although the majority of the songs are actually group originals. But, as with the best revival Dixieland of the 1950s, the musicianship, enthusiasm, and creativity of the musicians (within the genre's boundaries) uplift the music beyond the limits of nostalgia. Trumpeter
Eddie Henderson is in top form, altoist
Antonio Hart is fine in a
Cannonball Adderley bag during his three appearances, and tenor saxophonist
Don Braden takes a major step forward with these performances. In addition,
David "Fathead" Newman has two features on tenor, the rhythm section is excellent, and the drummer/leader is content to push the other musicians rather than engaging in lengthy solos himself. It's recommended for hard bop fans. ~ Scott Yanow