Steve Turre: Steve Turre

So what else is on here that makes this album pleasantly unique? Well, there's the frequent use of a trombone quartet, a string quartet, some great trumpet solos by Jon Faddis and Randy Brecker, some beautiful trombone guest solos by the legendary J.J. Johnson, the rich, expressive contralto of Cassandra Wilson on "In a Sentimental Mood," and some of Cuba's finest percussionists. Oh, and there's not a saxophone or any woodwind on the entire album. Not that there's anything wrong with saxophones, but their absence is another thing that makes this album different.

And what about the music itself? Turre explains that the underlying theme of this album is "Three Branches of the Tree," in this case meaning American jazz, Cuban latin, and Brasilian samba/bossa. These elements are combined in various ways to make an interesting, varied program.

I must go check out more of Steve Turre's work!

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