Pianist
Donald Brown, who has been often overshadowed by his contemporaries, is a talented modern mainstream pianist with a sound of his own. This CD, his debut as a leader, features
Brown in a sextet that also stars altoist
Donald Harrison (quite exploratory), trumpeter
Bill Mobley, vibraphonist
Steve Nelson and
Wynton Marsalis's rhythm section of the time (bassist
Bob Hurst and drummer
Jeff "Tain" Watts). Together they perform six of
Brown's diverse and generally colorful originals, plus "Speak Low" and the pianist's solo showcase "If You Could See Me Now." It's an impressive and enjoyable outing. ~ Scott Yanow