Steve Turré: Delicious And Delightful (2010)

GLENN ASTARITA,

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: February 12, 2011

Track review of "Light Within"

Trombonist Steve Turré is a renowned jazzman. An educator and member of the Saturday Night Live band, the artist has released several solo outings amid a legacy that includes first- call session stints with jazz, Latin and pop notables. On Delicious and Delightful, Turré treads along a rather clement path consisting of medium-tempo pieces and ballads. He also multitasks when toggling between the trombone and conch shells. The opener and embryonic piece "Light Within," is a composition by venerable tenor saxophonist Billy Harper.

On "Light Within," Turré's shells work imparts a calming factor that contrasts the radiant horn choruses embedded within the peppery Latin-jazz pulse. Here, the band proclaims good cheer, spiced with a fire and brimstone midsection, where Harper fuses a torrid, yet spirited storyline with a few nods to the free zone. The saxophonist circles back to the mainstream, as Turré and pianist Larry Willis continue to expand the primary theme with mood-evoking slants and a buoyant demeanor. The musicians strike a synchronous chord, encompassing harmonious theme- building with vibrant improvisation and tender subtleties.

Personnel: Steve Turré: trombone, shells; Billy Harper, tenor saxophone; Larry Willis: piano; Corcoran Holt, bass; Dion Parson: drums.

Record Label: HighNote Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream