The music on this collection headed by trumpeter
Bobby Lewis spans a seven-year period, with the personnel constantly changing. While most of the performances fit into hard bop with a few numbers being Latin jazz pieces, there are some colorful departures. "The Shining Sea" is a ballad featuring the duet of
Lewis' warm horn and
Jim Ryan's synthesized strings. An atmospheric "Dreamsville" has
Lewis overdubbing on four flügelhorns and a trumpet while
Burl Lane is heard on four bassoons and tenor. And
Jelly Roll Morton's "Grandpa's Spells" features the leader on both cornet and alto trumpet while joined by tuba and drums for a version that fits the New Orleans style well. In addition to those departures, the remainder of the program is of consistently high quality, with fine solos throughout by
Lewis,
Pat Mallinger on alto and tenor, guitarist
Curtis Robinson, and keyboardist
Jim Ryan. Overall,
Instant Groove is an excellent introduction to the recordings of the talented Chicago trumpeter
Bobby Lewis.