In the Moment

by Greg TurnerOn trumpeter John Swana's fourth Criss Cross release, he is joined by tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Kenny Washington to play seven originals, five of them by Swana, and two standards. The focus of this recording is on Swana's writing and arranging skills. The full sextet plays on eight of the nine selections, with the horns displaying a sound that suggests a larger group while the rhythm section maintains the good groove in the Jazz Messengers tradition. Favorites include Davis' "The Lonely Ones," a medium shuffle built on a piano/bass vamp with a swinging bridge, "Le Barron," Swana's up-tempo dedication to the pianist based on the changes to "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Teeko," a medium swinger dedicated to label founder Gerry Teekens, and "946 North Randolph," a slow blues named for Swana's home address. This is a welcome addition to the Swana discography and, at almost 76 minutes long, about as much music as you'll find on one CD.