Hugh Ragin: Feel The Sunshine (2002)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: September 6, 2002

Hugh Ragin's title track reminds us that music communicates expression. His passion shines through warmly. By adopting the classic jazz quintet format for his third Justin Time release, the trumpeter has retained a mainstream sensibility. However, his adventurous nature remains evident from start to finish. Standards and originals swing, while introducing flights of fancy throughout. The ensemble interprets with clarity and a natural ease. Their session combines avant-garde thrills with picturesque impressionism, sullen blues and joyful swing. Ragin's trumpet attains a wide range of emotions through his buoyant, conversational style. He and Assif Tsahar make a fruitful front line. Their rhythmic drive on "Freedom Jazz Dance," "Gulf Coast Groove" and "Caravan" moves boldly. It's powerful stuff that moves the soul. The session's final number, a solo trumpet piece, recalls the late Lester Bowie. Ragin, who has music degrees from the University of Houston and Colorado State University, who has taught at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and who's earned much of his experience performing with David Murray, favors an adventurous, modern mainstream program. This one comes recommended for its ease of understanding and its enjoyable attitude.

Track Listing: Caravan; Feel the Sunshine; Hugh's Blues; Pain; Gulf Coast Groove; Easy Living; Master Mind; Freedom Jazz Dance; Say Goodbye.

Personnel: Hugh Ragin- trumpet; Assif Tsahar- tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Craig Taborn- piano; Jaribu Shahib- bass; Tanni Tabbal- drums, djembe on "Gulf Coast Groove;" Bruce Cox- drums on "Gulf Coast Groove."

Record Label: Justin Time Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream