Alto Blue

Steve Slagle, who has a very appealing tone on alto, strong technique, and a style that is quite versatile, performs seven blues on this exciting set, as well as a flute feature on "Detour Ahead." By varying tempos and grooves (ranging from bebop to Ornette Coleman and a bit of funk), each song manages to have its own personality and a mundane sameness never occurs. Trumpeter Ryan Kisor, who had grown quite a bit during the past few years, seemed at this point to be obviously poised for potential greatness and sounds quite individual. Bassist Scott Colley and drummer Gene Jackson, although in a supporting role, are major assets and work together quite well. The material is made up of four Slagle originals, one song by Dave Stryker, Charles Mingus' "Jump Monk" and Lee Morgan's "The Midget," in addition to "Detour Ahead"; it's consistently colorful and catchy enough to both inspire the musicians and be memorable for the listeners. Highly recommended.