May 2009

Al Hood
Just a Little Taste
Kakeda

By Bill Milkowski

Denver-based trumpeter Al Hood weds his pure tone to Dave Hanson’s stellar arrangements on this classy orchestral offering, which is cast in the grand tradition of the classic Nelson Riddle-Frank Sinatra collaborations. A wonderfully expressive singer of songs on his instrument, Hood turns in beautiful renditions of Benny Golson’s “I Remember Clifford,” the wistful Willy Wonka theme “Pure Imagination,” the poignant Shirley Horn number “Here’s to Life” and the Sinatra signature “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” The trumpeter’s unabashed love of Satchmo comes across on “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans,” and he showcases his bop chops on Lee Morgan’s “Ceora.”