For Cannonball & Woody

by Scott YanowAltoist Antonio Hart's recording starts out with an eerie re-creation of the Cannonball Adderley version of "Sticks" from 1968 which, like the original, even has a live audience shouting out encouragement and clapping along more or less in time. After that the music gets more original, featuring trumpeter Darren Barrett (who shows an impressive amount of versatility), either Carlos McKinney or Mulgrew Miller on piano, and a guest spot from cornetist Nat Adderley on "Sack o'Woe." In addition to the Adderley tributes, there are several Woody Shaw pieces that generally contain new arrangements for an expanded group, based more on the spirit of the original '70s versions rather than the notes. Antonio Hart is in top form throughout this well-conceived release.