Rob Blakeslee

Trumpeter Rob Blakeslee leads a piano-less quartet filled with other regulars of the Nine Winds label on this CD, including its owner, Vinny Golia (who sticks to clarinet and bass clarinet), bassist Ken Filiano, and drummer Billy Mintz. The first of six Blakeslee originals, "Just off the Avenue," is dedicated to cornetist Bobby Bradford, who with clarinetist John Carter had a similar type of group in Los Angeles; Golia does a fine job of emulating Carter while still sounding like himself. "A Trusty Shellback" takes half of its nearly 18 minutes to get going, starting off as otherworldly sound explorations before a theme is stated, and there are excellent solos from Golia and Blakeslee. "Colorful Ears" (which has a great title) has prominent roles for Filiano and Mintz (who takes an extended solo) and "Squirrels" is quite intense, while "Slaybell" is a wandering and thoughtful ballad. The closing "Indecent Response" has some of the best solos on the session, with Golia sounding a little like Eric Dolphy on bass clarinet (although without the interval jumps) and Blakeslee heard in top form. The music throughout this stimulating set is unpredictable post-bop that is free in spots, always holding one's interest. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide