Wallace Roney

To say that Wallace Roney (30 at the time of this Muse CD) resembles mid-'60s Miles Davis in his playing is the same as stating that Sonny Stitt sounded a little like Charlie Parker. That objection aside, Roney's The Standard Bearer (dedicated to Woody Shaw) is excellent. The leader is in fine form on six familiar standards and "Loose" has Roney successfully holding one's interest while backed by just drummer Cindy Blackman and percussionist Steve Berrios. Tenor saxophonist Gary Thomas (who does have a very original sound) is fiery during his four appearances and the rhythm section (which also includes pianist Mulgrew Miller and bassist Charnett Moffett) is quite superior. Creative frameworks and inspired solos keep this recording from being just a bop revival session. In fact, except for Roney's sound, everything about the music is quite fresh. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide