Lew Soloff: With a Song in My Heart

With a Song in My Heartis a mellow, straight-ahead jazz quartet date. Soloff is full of expressiveness and solo ideas, and his session mates provide understated, sensitive support. Mulgrew Miller turns in some excellent solos, particularly on "I'm a Fool to Want You." The program is a blend of four standards, a couple classical pieces, and a couple Soloff originals. The Tchaikovski piece is especially interesting; Rob Mounsey's expert arrangement distills the essence of the symphony down to the quartet format, remaining true to its classical roots, yet providing some solo opportunities in a jazz quartet setting.

Soloff keeps his trumpet muted throughout the all-acoustic program, leaving the program sounding mellow and introverted throughout. A little sonic variety might have provided some additional interest. (Milestone MCD 9290)

Tracks:Come Rain or Come Shine; Andantino from Tchaikovski Symphony No. 4 (second movement); The Way You Look Tonight; I'm a Fool to Want You; Mea Culpa; Deguello; Istanbul; One for Emily; With a Song in My Heart (68:31)

Personnel:

Lew Soloff, trumpet; Mulgrew Miller, piano; George Mraz, bass; Victor Lewis, drums; Emily Mitchell, harp; Rob Mounsey, arrangements.

Record Label: Fantasy Jazz | Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream