Until You is an excellent recording by trumpet and flügelhorn player
Bob Lark. The Chicago-based musician/educator is accompanied by
Jim McNeely on piano,
Kelly Sill on bass, and
Joel Spencer on drums. The program consists of a delightful mix of traditional jazz standards and
Bob Lark's original compositions that alternate between his cool and aggressive styles of playing. On "Until You," the ensemble swings with
Lark's instinctive improvisations that give way to an extended solo by pianist
Jim McNeely.
Lark's soloing is art. It is clear, distinctive, and as he lays it in the groove, listeners will discover that his musical language is well understood. On "A Narrow Path," the group weaves its harmonic improvisations through
Lark's romantic melody in such a way that the audience seems to become involved as a fifth member. Again,
McNeely's superior soloing ignites the song with coherent tonality and contrasting colors. "'Round Midnight" is sultry, smoky, and beautifully incorporates the seductive mystic feeling of night. Unaccompanied,
Lark brilliantly uses a muted trumpet to convey the midnight metaphors in their most significant and complex forms. You can literally feel the night ambience. This is by far one of the best renditions of this song available today. With artists such as
Bob Lark offering their talent to audiences around the world, you can believe the art of jazz is in great hands.