Tom Ranier/Glenn Cashman Sextet: Bright Idea

The strength of the individual performers on this session would be enough to warrant interest. What makes Bright Idea stand out as a winner, however, is the exemplary composing of its co-leaders. More than just a collection of interesting tunes—which they are—the arrangements expertly manipulate the textural possibilities of the sextet's front line: tenor sax, alto sax and trombone. Cashman's "All That Glitters is Silver, a tribute to Horace Silver, and "Three If By Sea exemplify the disc's strategic balance between ensemble and soloist. Ranier's "Bob's Your Uncle is a dark, funky romp with unpredictable chromatic twists reminiscent of the Brecker Brothers.

This exceptional sextet is rounded out by veteran sidemen with exemplary credentials. Alto saxophonist Bob Sheppard, perhaps best-known for his work with Chick Corea's Origin ensemble, has a sharp-edged tone that slices with ease through the blistering "Studer Rodeo and the harmonically challenging "Transparency. Trombonist Bob McChesney, whose recording credits include Horace Silver and Bob Florence, displays a rapid-fire approach on the up-tempo title track and jovial buoyancy on Irving Berlin's "How Deep is the Ocean. Bassist Luther Hughes and drummer Kendall Kay provide a rock-solid foundation and manage to elevate the intensity of each swinging groove with a crisp, vibrant approach.

With committed passion to the past and a forward-thinking connection to the possibilities of straight-ahead jazz, Ranier and Cashman maintain a musical aesthetic that is challenging, yet accessible to a diverse listening audience. Bright Idea is a welcome addition to the recorded legacy of a powerhouse ensemble deserving of wider recognition.

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