Virginia Mayhew is a strong hard bop-based saxophonist with a sound of her own. For her debut as a leader,
Mayhew is quite effective on tenor, alto, and soprano, heading a sextet also including the fiery trumpeter
Ingrid Jensen, pianist
Kenny Barron, bassist
Harvie Swartz, drummer
Adam Cruz, and percussionist
Leon Parker. The solos of the two horns and
Barron are consistently excellent, and all eight selections are quite rewarding. Most impressive (and a major factor in this set being on a much higher level than a jam session) is the leader's writing. Her "Nini Green" is melodic and catchy enough to become a standard, and
Barron's sensitive playing during the opening of
Mayhew's "Maybe Someday" is quite touching.
Virginia Mayhew's lyrical soprano on an extended version of "Good Morning Heartache" and the exciting rendition of the pianist's "Voyage" are two additional highlights. The saxophonist (who also performs three other fine originals and "Invitation") wraps up the date with a closing two-and-a-half-minute "Jazzspeak," during which she discusses how the session came about. This exciting set is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow