Acoustic Masters II

by Scott YanowAn all-star group was gathered together during a short-time revival of the Atlantic label's interest in jazz. By 1993, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson had already been a major force on his instrument for 30 years, yet there was no slowing down for him. Craig Handy, mostly on tenor but also occasionally soprano and flute, was displaying a great deal of potential, while the rhythm section of Mulgrew Miller, Ron Carter, and Lenny White proved to be reminiscent of the groups that Hutcherson recorded with for Blue Note in the 1960s. Jerry Gonzalez's trumpet, hinting at Miles Davis, is a strong asset to this set whenever it makes an appearance. The repertoire, except for the closing "When I Fall in Love," is comprised of group originals, with every musician except Gonzalez contributing at least one song. The music falls between hard bop and post-bop, clearly inspiring and challenging the players even though none of the songs eventually became standards. Well worth searching for.