Because he is based in Chicago,
Brad Goode has been underpublicized, but in reality he is a great bebop trumpeter. On this set, he is teamed with a top-notch Chicago rhythm section led by the underrated pianist
Jodie Christian, and the very talented
Ira Sullivan, who doubles on soprano and muted trumpet. The pairing of two trumpets on
Raymond Scott's "Toy Trumpet" and "Make Someone Happy" works quite well, as does the blend between
Goode's trumpet and
Sullivan's soprano on the other selections. The frameworks are colorful, the solos are at a consistently exciting level, and the repertoire is inspired. Other highlights include "You and the Night and the Music,"
John Coltrane's "Resolution," and "Alone Together," but all nine selections are well worth hearing. This is a superior modern straight-ahead jazz set.