John Hines is a fine hard bop-oriented trombonist from Colorado. For this CD he joins with pianist/keyboardist
Michael Pagan, bassist Mike Williamson, and drummer Rob Ward for straight-ahead standards and complementary group originals. Guest trumpeter/flügelhornist
Hugh Ragin guests on three numbers (playing muted à la
Miles Davis on "I Could Write a Book"), and singer Angela Holley is featured on "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square." Other highlights include the catchy "In the Pocket," an uptempo "Secret Love," the harmonies between the two horns on "Central Park West," and
Hines' warm tone throughout. The music is pleasing, swinging, and often infectious; this CD is well worth acquiring. ~ Scott Yanow