In the 1990s there has been a serious shortage of male jazz singers under the age of 60, making
Kevin Mahogany's "arrival" in his second Enja release quite noteworthy. A strong improviser who cannot only scat creatively but uplift lyrics,
Mahogany may very well end up as a future pollwinner. He is joined on this CD by a six-piece horn section and a strong rhythm section (pianist
John Hicks, bassist
Ray Drummond, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith), plus there are guest appearances by altoist
Arthur Blythe and guitarist
Kevin Eubanks. The material (which includes
Cedar Walton's "Night Flight," "Caravan," "When I Fall in Love," and the title cut by
Milton Nascimento) is challenging and diverse. ~ Scott Yanow