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Composer and educator Michael Dease has become one of the most widely respected practitioners of the trombone even though his first instrument was the saxophone. For his 18th recording as a leader and his second where he focuses on the baritone saxophone, he’s joined by a core group of trombonist Steve Davis, guitarist Jocelyn Gould, pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Rodney Whittaker, drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. while assorted special guests join in this program dedicated to the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove (1969–2018), an early Dease employer and mentor. It is rare to hear a baritone sax-trombone front line, and that helps to give the music a fresh sound. Highlights include Davis’ hard-swinging title track; Dease’s “Seiko Time,” which features a Latin groove and includes Alex Acuna’s percussion; Charles McPherson’s “The Viper,” a danceable blues bolstered by significant contributions from trumpeter Terell Stafford, organist Jim Alfredson, and trombonist Eli Howell; and “Father Figure” the boppish title track from an earlier Dease recording dedicated to Whitaker. Guitarist Gould, a former Dease student, displays a pleasant singing voice on “Tea For Two” and “Never Let Me Go.” Grove’s Groove is another fine addition to the growing Dease discography.
By Greg Turner
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