Mike Moreno's second CD as a leader is what many young players ought to emulate: not a self-indulgent session but one where he blends a mix of originals and standards, while demonstrating his chops in a subtle manner, accompanied by veteran pianist
Kevin Hays, bassist
Doug Weiss, and drummer
Kendrick Scott. The guitarist's opening track is a gradually percolating, inventive rendition of
Herbie Hancock's infrequently recorded "I Have a Dream." His shimmering take of
Wayne Shorter's "Children of the Night" is equally effective.
Moreno omits the piano in a spacious arrangement of
Billy Strayhorn's bittersweet gem "Lush Life," introducing it by himself, while he gives "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" an eerie flavor in a stretched-out setting. Nor does he ignore demanding post-bop, heard in his deft workout of
Joe Henderson's "Isotope." His originals also merit praise.
Hays switches to Fender Rhodes for the fusion-flavored "Another Day," while "Third Wish" has the unmistakable influence of
Shorter.
Mike Moreno is yet another promising young musician who is getting wider exposure courtesy of
Gerry Teekens' Criss Cross label, which has a knack for attracting talent deserving of wider recognition. ~ Ken Dryden