With Love

Big-band fare, tight and loud and energetic. Very clean, polished sound with some breakneck solos executed with precision. Straight stuff, although Robert Glasper on piano really twists it up (1,5). Exciting stuff, especially track 1.

Tolliver is a forgotten player from the '70s, a trumpeter. Nice to see him back in action. He's also on the recent Andrew Hill album, "Time Lines."

1- Joyous, big, loud, fast.. and when Toliver enters for the first solo, he practically blows the mic to smithereens. Great energy.
2- Fast but mellow, a very '70s sound (I keep thinking of the Mary Tyler Moore show here).
3- Yeah, it's 'Round Midnight... given a unique intro before Tolliver plays the theme unaccompanied. From there, it's fast and swingy; not sure this track does it for me.
4- Flutes, in soft but mid/fast procession. Settles into mid/fast zone anchored by rich piano chords
5- Fast and chugging after a calm, bright start. Interesting writing, great piano solo.
6- Cool slinky feel, fast pace. Tense, hectic "crime jazz" sound. With Tolliver's son Ched on guitar
7- Quick and darting. Exciting stuff with fast, slick solos.