Tom Harrell.
Tom Harrell’s new album, “Roman Nights,” was just released this past April. A month ago, I had never heard of the accomplished trumpeter – never mind the fact that he’s been playing and recording for over 40 years and has backed artists like Horace Silver, Bill Evans and Dizzy Gillespie. I credit 88.3 WBGO for finally introducing me to his work; they played a track off the new album in between songs by Lee Morgan and Miles Davis and it fit right in. With my heavy leanings towards hard bop jazz from the ’60s, it’s sometimes hard to find modern artists who are composing new music that still appeals to me stylistically. This album reinforced the truth that you can reference the past while forging new ground.
The Tom Harrell Quintet will be playing at the Village Vanguard this November. I’ll be in attendance.