Jason Charos: Opening Statement

Trumpeter Jason Charos was a student at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, as were alto saxophonist David Mason and pianist Connor Rohrer, while tenor Kendric McAllister was a recent graduate when Charos' impressive Opening Statement was recorded in March 2022. Since then, the "four amigos," as they are sometimes known, have headed to New York City to broaden their horizons and pursue their budding careers.

The amigos are ably supported on the studio date by bassist Carlo De Rosa, drummer Ludwig Alfonso and (on four tracks) tenor saxophonist —and Frost School instructor—Melvin Butler, with guest appearances by Charos' teacher, mentor—and the album's producer—trumpeter Brian Lynch ("B.L.'s Bag") and drummer Dafnis Prieto ("The Crown"). Those tunes were written and arranged by Charos, as were the session's other half- dozen numbers. It must have been a singular pleasure for Charos to "duke it out" with his teacher, Lynch, especially as he holds his own on one of the album's more engaging tracks.

Two of Charos' themes are Latin-centered, including "The Crown," introduced by Prieto's snare drums and featuring assertive blowing by Charos, Rohrer and—of course—Prieto, who oversees a concise drum clinic before everyone returns for the coda. Charos' second ballad, "This, Tonight" (the other is "Love and Loss") is next, followed by the upbeat "Pacing" and rapid-fire finale, "George's Place." McAllister, Rohrer, de Rosa and Alfonso solo with Charos on "Pacing," Mason, Rohrer, McAllister and Alfonso on "George's Place."

Charos not only writes well but plays well too, as do his capable teammates, none of whom sounds like a student who is learning the ropes. It is not out of place to observe that Charos surely will have far more to say as the months and years go by; until then, he has delivered a sharp and persuasive Opening Statement.