By Myself

Cleveland-based trumpeter Brad Goode has the same melodic predilections as bop masters Fats Navarro and Clifford Brown. This comes through in this set of standards. Each tune gets fresh, expansive treatment. Goode, brandishing a brilliant tone, probes these oft-played songs at his leisure, looking for nuances others have missed. And more often than not he finds them. His take on Benny Goodman's theme song, "Goodbye," is especially notable as he sets his own plunger-muted horn against Steve LaSpina's arco bass. His efforts are greatly abetted by the trio of pianist Ted Rosenthal, LaSpina, and drummer Matt Wilson, who have worked together as an extant group. It shows. Their familiarity with each other allows them to keep pace with Goode without meandering. Wilson as usual proves to be an extremely resourceful drummer, adding percussive accents that brighten the proceedings. Wilson and Goode inspire each other on the exchanges that conclude several of the tracks. Goode is generous in allotting solo time, and Rosenthal makes the most of it, finding something fresh to say on the blues form on Goode's one original, "Four-Note Blues," and working up a fine solo on "The End of a Love Affair" from a glib quote of "Mexican Hat Dance." It's a routine that fits well with this date's spontaneous good humor.