No Job Too Big Or Small
Trumpeter Wallace Roney has often been criticized for doing something very well--sounding likeMiles Davis, circa 1966. The resemblance can be uncanny, particularly when Roney is playing at slower tempos with a Harmon mute. Once you get past that issue, though, Roney is a superbly expressive trumpeter, whether he's launching fiery runs in the upper register on up-tempo tunes or simmering on ballads. This is a "best of" collection, compiled from Roney's recordings for the Muse label between 1987 and 1993, and it includes a good mix of jazz standards, fromClifford Brown's "Daahoud" to Davis's "Solar." The supporting musicians are all first-rate. The bands are a series of quintets that include tenor saxophonistsGary ThomasandRavi Coltrane, pianistsMulgrew MillerandGeri Allen, bassists Charnett Moffett andChristian McBride, and drummersTony WilliamsandCindy Blackman. It's a generous selection at a budget price.--Stuart Broomer