Richard Boulger: Blues Twilight

Richard Boulger’s trumpet burns brightly on this fine collection of soaring postbop tunes, commanding attention with a soulful, punchy sound that recalls the consciousness-raising jazz of the 1960s and ’70s. Boulger had an ideal complement in the late pianist John Hicks, whose joyously sweeping piano runs add depth and spirit to five tracks, while Anthony Wonsey’s more introspective piano gives a thoughtful spin to four others. But “Perceptions” finds Boulger getting down to basics, tearing things up with drummer Victor Jones in torrid improvisation.

Originally Published December 1, 2007