Lew Soloff

Lew Soloff's brilliant technique has often been utilized to hit the high notes in adventurous big bands, but he is also a very talented soloist. This quartet set with pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Richard Davis and drummer Elvin Jones (a reissue of a CD cut for the King label and first released domestically by Projazz as Speak Low) is sometimes a little more laid-back than expected, but has its fiery moments. Soloff shows off his warm tone on the ballads (such as "But Beautiful") and swings hard on such numbers as "Speak Low," Charles Mingus' "Reincarnation of a Lovebird" and his own "Duty Blues." There are relatively few Lew Soloff albums available (and none thus far have been made for American labels), so this enjoyable CD is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide