John Swana - Bright Moments

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:05
Size: 165,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:42)  1. Wilbert
(6:21)  2. Chillin' Out
(6:45)  3. Road Trippin'
(7:44)  4. Ferris Wheel
(5:24)  5. Shrack's Corner II
(8:10)  6. Bright Moments
(8:06)  7. Inevitable Encounter
(6:47)  8. Everything I Have Is Yours
(7:04)  9. KD
(6:27) 10. Open Highway
(4:31) 11. Shrack's Corner I

Trumpeter John Swana's Philadelphia hard bop roots are clearly evident on this set of originals that takes definite cues from the distinctive sound of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in bygone days. The title is not a reference to Rahsaan Roland Kirk's classic album, but a concept suggested to the leader by organist Trudy Pitts. With a solid, burnished, and clear tone, Swana and his sextet featuring twin tenor saxes in Eric Alexander and Grant Stewart swing strongly through original mainstream jazz that is lyrically tuneful and harmonically rich. Where tracks like "Wilbert" (for ex-Philadelphia Eagles NFL running back Wilbert Montgomery) and "Road Trippin'" reflect that fleet-foot hard bop image, others tend to be effortlessly bluesy or soulful. This simple but direct approach is a rarity in contrast with modern mainstream, complex jazz, but Swana is not so much looking back as he is keeping the straight-ahead home fires burning. ~ Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/bright-moments-mw0000752017

Personnel: John Swana (trumpet, flugelhorn); Eric Alexander, Grant Stewart (tenor saxophone); David Hazeltine (piano); Peter Washington (bass instrument); Kenny Washington (drums).

Bright Moments

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