Throughout their productive careers, trumpeter Curt Ramm, saxophonist Dan Moretti and pianist Bill Cunliffe have excelled in a countless number of musical settings, ranging from funk and fusion to Latin, R&B and classical. They also have recorded and performed with a who’s who of legendary jazz , soul and pop. However, one of their true loves is straight-ahead, soulful and grooving jazz. The three talents have come together to form the Foundations Jazz Record label, drawing upon their many influences and inspirations to create new music. On their first collaboration, Foundations, their skills as soloists, composers and creative forces are displayed at their best.

Foundations, which also features bassist Marty Ballou and drummer Marty Richards, both looks backwards with affection to the classic soul jazz and hard bop sessions of the 1960s, and ahead to future developments in modern jazz. All of the infectious material is fresh and new, with six of the pieces co-written by Ramm and Cunliffe while Moretti contributed the other five songs.

On Foundations, the musicians are consistently inspired by each other’s presence and the fun yet stimulating material. The opening “Little Bit” is an excellent example of modern hard bop, featuring a passionate theme, a swinging piano solo with the trio, some fiery trumpet, and a bit of cool-toned Dan Moretti tenor that is a little reminiscent of Charlie Rouse (Thelonious Monk’s saxophonist in the 1960s). “K-Funk” has a catchy theme, a soulful tenor statement, Cunliffe’s fluent organ playing, and a trumpet solo worthy of Blue Mitchell. “Going Nowhere Fast” is notable for Ramm’s adventurous trumpet while “MM&D” is a blues piece featuring Moretti’ssoprano and Ramm’s muted horn.

Many of the selections on Foundations are perfect for radio airplay since they have memorable themes and concise solos. “Vine Street” and the greasy “Podunk” are perfect examples. “Birmingham Blue” is a medium-slow strutting blues while “Zone Seven,” is quite original even while hinting at both Miles Davis’ “Tutu” and “Sweet Georgia Brown,” an unusual combination. The bluish “Totem Dance,” a floating “Tired
Corn” (which has sparse ensembles), and the joyous boogaloo “Get In Line” conclude the memorable set. Foundations is both accessible and creative, modern yet timeless.