Conrad Herwig's second Criss Cross release is a trombonist's dream as
Herwig joins forces with another trombonist, former Jazz Messenger
Steve Davis, and a first-rate rhythm section of pianist
David Kikoski, bassist James Genus, and drummer
Jeff "Tain" Watts to perform three
Herwig originals, two jazz classics, and two standards. Both
Herwig and
Davis are skilled improvisers with distinctive voices on their chosen instruments, choosing to complement each other rather than compete.
Herwig plays mostly in the bone's upper register,
Davis prefers the middle and lower registers, while
Kikoski, Genus, and
Watts supply enough fire to keep the proceedings heated. Favorites include the hard swinging "Syeeda's Song Flute," written by
John Coltrane, "Kenny K,"
Herwig's heartfelt tribute to pianist
Kenny Kirkland, the medium blues "First Born," and the burning title track.
Osteology refers to the study of the science of bones, and this is one time where studying bones can be enjoyable. ~ Greg Turner