With its esoteric titles ("Icarian Sea," "Hestia's Egress," "Serpents of Hera," et al.), one would think that trombonist
David Gibson's recording was a suite that could possibly be the soundtrack for a Greek mythology film. Actually the nine songs, despite the forbidding titles, are primarily hard bop.
Gibson's style is a little reminiscent of a slightly more modern
Curtis Fuller, trumpeter
Randy Brecker is always a strong asset in this type of setting, and
Wayne Escoffery's soprano adds a great deal to the ensembles. The rhythm section keeps the music swinging and the ballads properly brooding. So despite the names of the songs, this is the type of set that can easily be enjoyed by fans of
Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, even if the music is not an exact copy. ~ Scott Yanow