Sean Jones: The Search Within (2009)

Mark F. Turner

Senior Contributor since 2001

Considering himself a modern day 'Jazz Explorer' Mark continues to discover new and exciting music territories.

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Published: April 15, 2009

No longer standing in the shadows of the greats, trumpeter Sean Jones has been coming into his own since his well received debut, Eternal Journey (Mack Avenue Records, 2004). His trajectory has coursed through four previous releases, exploring, maturing, and progressing into one of today's shining voices with The Search Within.

Incorporating the fierceness of Freddie Hubbard Freddie Hubbard
1938 - 2008
trumpet and the smooth composure of Terence Blanchard Terence Blanchard
b.1962
trumpet , Jones possesses his own style that can deliver blistering notes or silky tones at the drop of a hat. But he is also a deft composer and ardent band leader, guiding a shining group of unsung and noted performers who give it their all throughout this polished work.

The title's theme is divided into three sections in the recording, a thought- provoking arc for Jones' flugelhorn clarion call. Within lies music that is intensely focused, introspective, yet contemporary and relevant, exhibiting a personal spectrum of the Jones experience. Examples include the breezy "Summer's Spring" featuring supple flute work by Erika von Kleist, "Transitions"'s killing bop exchanges, a romantic interlude in "Letter of Resignation" with alluring vocals by Carolyn Perteet (who first appeared on Kaleidoscope (Mack Avenue, 2007)), and the soulful urban glide of "Sunday Reflections" with its mellow head swaying and finger snapping melody.

Among the many memorable moments are the sweeping Latin tinged "Life Cycles"—with excellent support from pianist Orrin Evans Orrin Evans
b.1975
piano , percussionist Kahlil Bell, and the always recognizable harmonica of Gregoire Maret Gregoire Maret
b.1975
harmonica — and the glow of "Love's Lullaby," where Jones' trumpet pours out heartfelt emotion.

The passing of the great Freddie Hubbard in December of 2008 was a humbling reminder of the continuum of life and music. But he has undoubtedly left a profound legacy with a plethora of fine young trumpeter's including Ambrose Akinmusire Ambrose Akinmusire
b.1982
trumpet , Jeremy Pelt Jeremy Pelt
b.1976
trumpet , Christian Scott, many others, and most certainly Sean Jones.

Track Listing: The Search Within (Interlude); Transitions; The Ambitious Violet; Life Cycles; The Storm; Letter Of Resignation; The Search Within (For Less); Summer's Spring; Sunday Reflections; Sean's Jones Comes Down; Love's Lullaby; The Search Within (Postlude).

Personnel: Kahlil Kwame Bell: percussion; Obed Calvaire: drums; Luques Curtis: bass; Orrin Evans: piano, Fender Rhodes; Brian Hogans: alto sax; Sean Jones: trumpet, flugelhorn; Gregoire Maret: harmonica (4); Carolyn Perteete: vocals (6); Walter Smith III: tenor sax; Erika von Kleist: flute (4, 8, 11).

Record Label: Mack Avenue Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream