Chicago Red

Trumpeter Brad Goode made his name in Chicago playing straight-ahead post-bop jazz with little electronic or stylistic frills outside of the modern jazz tradition. That said, Goode is an adept improviser with muscular trumpet chops, who has always pushed himself to play a mix of harmonically advanced music alongside his superb renderings of jazz standards. In 2008, he took this adventurous approach even further with Polytonal Dance Party, in which he showcased his love of '70s fusion and frenetic dance club-influenced beats. Goode picks up this fusion thread again with 2012's equally as genre-bending Chicago Red. Once again employing a mix of electric and acoustic instruments and songs that bring to mind Bitches Brew-era Miles Davis, Goode has recorded an album of funky, exploratory jazz. There is also a strong world music vibe on Chicago Red, with songs built around various Latin, African, and Arabic rhythms. Joining Goode here is a stellar group of backing musicians including guitarist Bill Kopper and keyboardist Jeff Jenkins, who appeared on Polytonal Dance Party, Brazilian bassist Bijoux Barbosa, Ghanaian-born drummer Paa Kow, and Lebanese percussionist Rony Barrak. Ultimately, what is so appealing about Chicago Red is how Goode has brought together all of his disparate influences into one coherent and endlessly listenable sound.