Singer
Melanie Jackson and her husband, trumpeter
Sal Cracchiolo (best known for his long stint with
Poncho Sanchez), are based in the Los Angeles area and co-lead this enjoyable and diverse set.
Jackson has an attractive voice and a versatile style, being able to handle Afro-Cuban jazz ("Si No Hay Amor"), a touch of fusion ("Fly"), Brazilian jazz ("One Note Samba"), and straight-ahead ("Waltz for Debby") with equal skill.
Cracchiolo has many concise solos and a couple features of his own; "A Spring Day With You" and "If I Should Lose You." The rhythm sections are solid (with good spots for pianist Joe Rotondi), the percussionists keep the music stirring, and both of the co-leaders are in prime form. All in all, this is an overdue and well-constructed debut project as leaders for
Jackson and
Cracchiolo. ~ Scott Yanow