On
Herlin Riley's debut as a leader, the
Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra's drummer enlisted the services of fellow LCJO band members, trumpeter
Ryan Kisor, trombonist
Wycliffe Gordon, saxophonist
Victor Goines, pianist Farid Barron, and bassist
Rodney Whitaker, to perform nine
Riley originals and one by Whitaker, a heartfelt tribute to pianist John Lewis. Whether it be second line, swing, or Latin,
Riley plays it and plays it well, having learned many of the grooves while growing up in New Orleans. Kisor appears on only two selections, the hard bopping "New York Walk" and the finger popping "Soscalalah Blues," but makes the most of both appearances, while Goines stands out on both tenor and baritone saxophones. Other favorites include the title track, which alternates between a variation of the second line beat and swing, and "Myrosa's Mirage," a medium swinger in 5/4 with a 6/4 bridge. This is an excellent debut from a veteran musician that was worth waiting for. ~ Greg Turner