Roy Campbell's engaging Blue Series entry features an acoustic quartet with
Khan Jamal on vibes, Wilber Morris (who passed away shortly thereafter) on bass, and
Guillermo E. Brown on drums. The trumpeter takes his time developing passionate rubato statements on tracks like "Tenderness of Spring," "The Opening," and "New Groes for the Millennium," the last of which eventually -- almost reluctantly -- settles into a languid swing tempo. The pace is quick, the groove catchy on "Ode for Mr. DC," and Jamal shines, with his slightly raspy sound, on "Khanducting." Everyone takes a turn in the spotlight on the tumultuous title track. There's also a loosey-goosey version of
Monk's "Bemsha Swing" and a closing, solo-trumpet deconstruction of "The Star-Spangled Banner." ~ David R. Adler