Jun Iida: Bellflower

Bellflower, trumpeter Jun Iida's second recording, is a cordial and even-tempered survey of nine of his original compositions and one by the late Japanese composer Nujabes, ably performed by Iida's talented sextet with spoken word by Zelda Harris on Iida's heartfelt response to warfare and its anguish, "Will They Remember?"

While Iida is a technically precise soloist, his repertoire does little to separate him from the legion of proficient trumpeters in his peer group. He plays (and writes) well, following paths that others have pursued before him. His writing is undeniably competent, but still short of memorable.

Iida's teammates also play well, lending firm support and soloing efficiently whenever their names are called. Guitarist Masami Kiroki and pianist Chris McCarthy are summoned most often, and their improvisations are agile and pleasing, as are Iida's. The supporting cast consists of bassist Giulio Xavier Cetto, drummer Jongkuk Kim and conguero Takafumi Nikaido. Iida plays open trumpet most of the way, muted on the sensuous "Lovers' Interlude," while McCarthy adds variety by moving to Fender Rhodes on "The Final View" and "No Scuffs."

Iida has a good ear for a handsome melody, a trait that is most apparent on the buoyant opening number, "Rivers and Bridges," the bop-centered "No Scuffs" and closing "Bellflower." The lone departure is "Will They Remember?," on which Iida assumes a more avant-garde stance while Harris adds spoken word.

This is an agreeable session that tends to adhere to customary melodic and harmonic precepts, and does that quite well. Is it worth one's time and attention? That is a definite yes.