Trumpeter
Marcus Printup's debut as a leader in 1994 followed recordings as a part of the
University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble and the
Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Accompanied by four other promising musicians in the early days of their careers, including pianist
Eric Reed, alto saxophonist
Walter Blanding, bassist
Reuben Rogers and drummer
Brian Blade,
Printup puts together a tantalizing mix of originals and standards on this hard bop session,
Song for the Beautiful Woman. His compositions include a driving blues "The Inquiry," a sauntering ballad inspired by a brief encounter with a stranger on a plane "Song for the Beautiful Woman," and the infectious "Presentation," which best showcases his already well-developed chops. So many jazz artists tackle "I'll Remember April" at breakneck tempos that they overlook the beauty of the piece;
Printup chooses the less-traveled path with great success. His muted solo in "Speak Low" is fueled by
Rogers' tasty lines.
Marcus Printup's initial recording on his own will appeal greatly to fans of hard bop. ~ Ken Dryden