Marvin Stamm

Trumpeter and flügelhornist Marvin Stamm, having grown frustrated with his lack of recording opportunities as a leader during the 1990s, created his Marstam label to distribute his work. This CD, released simultaneously with his duo CD with pianist Bill Mays By Ourselves, features him in a quartet co-led by drummer Ed Soph. Thad Jones' "Three and One" is highlighted by the leader's rich trumpet and bassist Rufus Reid's solo. Reid's unaccompanied introduction to "Nardis" sets up a very unusual arrangement, in which the leader's mesmerizing trumpet is backed by Mays' imaginative piano playing. A delightful "Joy Spring" and a moody interpretation of Willard Robison's "Old Folks" are also important facets of this CD. Stamm also penned the furious blues "Who's 'at Talkin'," which includes some of his best playing on the CD. The talented saxophonist David Liebman sits in on three selections, playing tenor on a lengthy excursion through "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" (with the leader on flügelhorn), and playing soprano both on Mays' somewhat mysterious "No Hurry" and on the funky "Hip Hop Blues." Stamm's playing on both his instruments is the CD equivalent of a master class for horn players. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide