This is about the third album I’ve heard by trumpeter Derrick Gardner, and like the others, it just makes me want to see him bring a tour to LA. I doubt he’ll be able to afford a trip out here with this band, as it’s a big one, a 17 member ensemble including brother Vincent on trombone. The music is a perfect mix of vintage hard bop, exciting modal, hip themes and relentless grooves. Hop in an enjoy the ride!
Gardner’s horn sears through the elegiac sliding horns and feverish work of drummer Curtis Nowosad on the McCoy Tyner inspired “Push Comes da Shove” which takes you on a 14 minute thrill ride on the roller coaster. The team snaps to the bopping title piece and the fun tribute of “Soulful Brother Gelispie” features lyrical guitar work by Kasey Kurtz and dramatic soprano sax soloing over Nowosad’s pulsating groove. The team gets Basie-hep with swaggering tenor work on “ 8 Ball, Side Pocket” and you’ll think you’re watching Saturday morning cartoons with a fun fested “Heavens to Murgatroyd!” The digital release has a couple more tunes than the hard copy, most notably the Harry “Sweets” Edison inspired bluesy “ DAAAYUUM” that has the horns sway like it’s a dance marathon. I like this guy!