Man Facing East

Chicago-based trumpeter Rob Mazurek's debut recording as a leader showcases him in a hard bop setting leading a quartet, though he has long since moved on to exploring other avenues to creative improvised music. Accompanied by pianist Randolph Tressler, bassist John Webber and drummer George Fludas, the music is well played, though hardly groundbreaking. Most of this 1993 session focuses on his originals, with the brisk, slightly exotic "Man Facing East" standing out from the pack. The unusual rhythm line underneath his muted trumpet in the standard "Tenderly" is a refreshing update of this old warhorse, while another chestnut, "I Wish I Knew," is less adventurous. Since Mazurek has radically changed his style since this 1994 Hep release, it will likely appeal more to hard bop fans than those familiar with his work from the early 21st century.