Vibist
Carl Leukaufe, a Chicago jazz scene veteran, was half a century into his playing career when he made his recording debut as a leader with the 1996 release
Warrior. It's an engaging set of mainstream bop that gives
Leukaufe deserved exposure. Happy to submit to comparison with his contemporary,
Milt Jackson,
Leukaufe shares
Bag's fluid, deceptively easygoing style, although his facility as an improviser is a notch behind
Jackson's legendary abilities in this department. The session is equally noteworthy as a group effort: the personalities of the two groups here with
Leukaufe shine through to bring a good measure of distinctiveness to the performances of mostly bop standards. Pianist
Jodie Christian's elegant chops and tenor player Lin Halliday's vintage tone (out of
Don Byas via
Sonny Rollins) are featured on five tracks, including good versions of
Rollins' "Airegin,"
Miles Davis' "Veird Blues," and the standard "Star Eyes." Joe Iaco is the pianist in the other group, which also includes the fine trombonist Kevin Quail; both are heard to good effect on a languid version of
Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica" and a welcome airing of
Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism." There are also a handful of good originals: one each from the leader, Iaco, and drummer Robert Barry. The familiar paths traveled on
Warrior may not offer new vistas, but the playing is strong and committed, the sound is good, and the tracks pulse with a vitality that keeps the music fresh and energized. ~ Jim Todd