The music on this sampler CD is drawn from four of trombonist
Wycliffe Gordon's Nagel-Heyer releases (
Slidin' Home,
The Search, The Joyride, and We). But rather than just being a retrospective, the dozen selections include six from the sessions that were previously unreleased including "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (which has a
Gordon scat-filled vocal), "Stardust," and "Cherokee." All of the numbers are standards and
Wycliffe Gordon, with his personal sound, strong sense of humor, familiarity with many jazz styles, and constant creativity, provides many witty and bright moments. Most of his sidemen are taken from the
Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with
Gordon being heard in settings ranging from a tentet to duets with pianist
Eric Reed. Normally one could pass this type of sampler by in favor of acquiring the complete sessions, but the unreleased tracks mean that
Gordon fans need to pick up this rewarding CD, too. ~ Scott Yanow