Sam Robinson: 'Chasin' the Dream'

Chasin' the Dream is the fourth album as leader by Chicago-based trumpeter Sam Robinson who keeps chasin' his dream of success as a jazz musician and composer even while holding down a full-time gig as a middle school French teacher and trebling as a husband and father. Although that is a lot of grub to pile on anyone's plate, Robinson shows here that there is no way the jazz entrée can cause him any discomfort.

In other words, there is no way Robinson could be misperceived as an avocational or part-time practitioner. Technically and creatively, he can readily stand his ground against many of his better-known and more successful contemporaries. And when it comes to composing, Robinson cedes no advantage there either; his bright, straight-ahead post-bop themes are consistently innovative and engaging.

Robinson leads a quintet whose perception and proficiency prove that unsung jazz talent is abundant in America's heartland. Tenor saxophonist Scott Angst is an able front-line partner, while guitarist Jack Macklin, bassist Aaron Krings and drummer Chase Wilkins comprise an alert and responsive rhythm section.

Any doubts that these gentlemen know the score and how to master it are quickly erased on "The Gatekeeper," a warp-speed barn- burner that unlocks the session while testing everyone's awareness and agility. Angst nails the first solo, and Robinson does the same on his turn before Macklin and Wilkins have their say. Krings is first up on the well-grooved "Big C's Chart," which leads to the brisk and lighthearted "Leia," written for Robinson's daughter.

"Sam's Dig" is another in-your-face swinger from the hard-bop canon encompassing quick-witted solos by all hands, "Brian's Tune" is a mellow change of pace enhanced by Macklin's ardent guitar statement. The quintet wraps the forty-minute session with "Bienvenue," which cooks from the get-go, houses candid solos by everyone, and should leave listeners eager to hear more of the same—the way any album should. It is also a sign that while Robinson is still Chasin' the Dream, he may be getting ever closer.