Socci, a long-time student of bebop giant Jackie McLean, teaches and plays with the Steve Lord Big Band and the New England Jazz Ensemble. Socci’s fire and ideas motivate this accomplished group (which includes two of bassist Cecil McBee’s ensemble, pianist David Berkman and drummer Matt Wilson). The album features four originals by Socci, including “The Visit” inspired by a dream (with appropriately weird moments), and “Hale-Bopp,” a blues over a 7/4 rhythm by trombonist Peter McEachern. Socci moves to alto for a sometimes raw reading of “You Go To My Head.” Archie Shepp’s modal “Ujaama” pulses with energy and zest. Bassist Tony Scherr sets up an infectious samba on “It Might As Well Be Spring” and the quintet digs deep into Jay McShann’s “Jumpin’ The Blues.”
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