Fabio Morgera released his Red Records' debut, Slick , in 1999. That recording boasted a fully formed brass style for the trumpeter/flugelhornist. On that recording, Morgera directed a little-big band and he has continued that trend on his new Red Records' release, Colors. Colors is very much a concept album filled with tasty post bop and contemporary pieces, all composed, arranged, and performed at the highest level. Morgera's tone and attack have broadened and his compositional skills sharpened. This thoughtful professionalism is also reflected in Morgera's choice of sidemen. Steve Turre provides trombone support, while J.D. Allen, back from Slick, is the tenorist. The piano duties are capable divided between James Hurt and Joe Rybczyk. The music is brimming with creativity and intelligence. It swings with an entropy-defying momentum, always making sense without a wasted note.

Highly recommended.