For this project, drummer
Jeff Jerolamon pays tribute to
Gene Krupa,
Buddy Rich, and
Louie Bellson, three of his favorite drummers. He plays small-group swing and sounds quite adept in that genre, taking occasional solos, using subtlety, and driving the band. Pianist
George Cables and bassist
Harvie Swartz show flexibility, tenor saxophonist Doug Lawrence (who hints at
Dexter Gordon) is the lead voice on most songs, and trumpeter
Randy Sandke adds fire to four numbers, three of which are jumping pieces; pity that
Sandke was not on the full album. "Avalon" works well as a bass-drums duet and "Dark Eyes" gives the group an opportunity to recall the Krupa Trio with tenorman
Charlie Ventura. The music is fun throughout, the frameworks are sometimes unpredictable, and each of the musicians contributes colorful solos. This set is easily recommended to straight-ahead jazz collectors. ~ Scott Yanow