Two Shades of Nude

Trombonist Beavers is known for being a member of the Mingus Big Band and also for his association with Eddie Palmieri. On his second disc as a leader and composer, Beavers leads eight other fine musicians through a disc of originals and tightly arranged covers. It's a small, modern jazz big band that tackles the music with verve. The title track shows off Beavers' fortitude as a composer. Its long note theme soars over a bubbling bop, and his soloing is clear and inspired. When he arranges the tunes of others, they are full of life, as on the Latin version of Herbie Hancock's "Tell Me a Bedtime Story" and the wonderfully orchestrated version of Chick Corea's "Gemini," which is mostly horns and accented rhythm. Beavers has found his voice, and this group enables him to keep a hand in both the small group and big band worlds in which he seems to thrive.