Trumpeter has established himself as one of the best creative improvising trumpeters -- if not the best -- in the modern era. His stunning work with and 's bands has cemented his place as the rising star on his instrument. This debut recording for reflects his interest in the rhythm & blues style, both retro and contemporary. The presence of keyboardist has a lot to do with how the music is conceived rhythmically, having been a nephew and bandmate in the late-period groups of . But as a composer and arranger, holds close allegiance to the wonderfully inventive horn charts written by during the time of his combo that recorded the groundbreaking . is also respectful of elders like , as he adapts with the words of recited by into a bluesy stew stirred by bassist . Hip-hop funk identifies the light swagger of while the hip, funky title cut internally shimmers via the Fender Rhodes of , with an additional 11-minute live version plus vocals included as a closing track. The merging of old and new school is most evident on the lower light groove of quite reminiscent of 's classic while is a harder-edged two-chord modal number and is an out-and-out stomper. With alto saxophonist and tenor saxophonist , conjures the breezy yet potent sound on the bright funk of and the neat tick-tock rhythms urging onward. There's a sole R&B pop tune sung by in a manner similar to about a dirty old man, and seems unnecessary. A CD with mixed results that still holds much promise for the exceptional , this purposeful recording may very well find a commercial audience well outside of the one already owns. ~ Michael G. Nastos