Dana Landry: Journey Home

The name that jumps out from the cover of pianist Dana Landry's Journey Home is that of renowned vibraphonist Gary Burton. He joins the '94 Down Beat Award Winner (outstanding soloist) Dana Landry and a first rate band on this bright-sounding straight-ahead set.

The sound here has a connect with Burton's outstanding all-star effort from '98, Like Minds, which featured Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Roy Haynes, and Dave Holland. Clean and precise, with a good deal of sharp ensemble interplay between Landry, Burton, and sax man Don Aliquo, this is a set of engaging and accessible tunes. The mood is mostly sparklingly ebullient, even on the wonderfully introspective title tune, penned by Maria Schneider (from her Allegresse CD); and the wistful Cole Porter gem "All of You."

On "Island Life"—written by the set's bassist, Erik Applegate—Burton sits out, and Landry exhibits a very "vibe-ish" sound on his piano, sharp and succinct, with a bounce and glow to the tone; and Aliquo's sax work throughout—on both tenor and soprano—makes for an appealing dry-toned contrast against the piano/vibraphone shine.

Burton's name may jump out initially, but Journey Home finds him in excellent company.