A Cool Blue

Performing with frequent collaborators Terell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, Tarus Mateen, and (Clarence Penn), Tim Warfield's debut as a leader is a fine mixture of original compositions, standards, and jazz classics. Although all of the nine selections on A Cool Blue are strong, two of the standouts are "Titi Boom I" and "Titi Boom II"; "I" is an uptempo blues, while "II" is slower but just as energetic, with a collective improvisation over a four-note bass vamp. Other highlights include a straight-ahead reading of "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," a special arrangement of "Night Train," the beautiful title track, and the hard hitting "Mr Jin," introduced by a powerful Penn drum solo. One of the original Tough Young Tenors and an original member of the short-lived Jazz Futures, Warfield shows the potential to become one of the most distinctive tenor saxophonists in jazz.