Barry Cooper and Kris Johnson
Common Journey
By George W. Harris

Barry Cooper (tenor and bass trombone) and Kris Johnson (trumpet and flugelhorn) are two of the youngsters of the present Count Basie Orchestra. They’re out on there own here, leading a tastey little quintet (with Miki Hayama/p, Matt Rybicki/b and Ulysses Owens/dr) through some swinging originals and clever remakes of standards.

The twin brass front line keeps the music brisk, as they cruise through Foster’s “Shiny Stockings” and Lewis’ “Milestones” with the heart of a bebopper. The originals like “Monklike” and “Up and Down” are performed with drive and verve, while their driving take of Coltrane’s “Naima” freshens up the piece like a new coat of paint. It’s encouraging to see newcomers fitting in with the jazz tradition, and adding a little spice in the process.