Trumpet-organ-guitar-drums quartets are not too common, but after hearing this excellent CD, one wonders why.
Kevin Dean is a superior hard bop trumpeter with an appealing sound and a melodic and swinging style. Organist
Hank Marr has built his approach out of that of
Jimmy Smith, guitarist Greg Clayton is excellent whether soloing or playing rhythm, and drummer Jim Rupp is solid in support. The musicians groove together quite well on a variety of standards (including "How Deep Is the Ocean," "Ill Wind," and an abstract jam on "You Are My Sunshine") and originals, with "Retrounez S.V.P." being a jam over the chord changes of "Lover Come Back to Me." The result is an infectious and swinging set. ~ Scott Yanow