Live At Cafe Metropol

The first live CD by Kim Richmond's sextet is full of extended performances (five of the seven numbers clock in between 9:46 and 16:08) and dynamic solos. When the song is a standard, such as a lengthy exploration of "You Don't Know What Love Is" or "Invitation," the renditions are episodic, benefiting from Richmond's arranging skills. The originals (of which the explosive "Fuzzy Wuzzy" is a highpoint) are inside/outside, allowing the soloists to stretch out and take the music on inspired flights. Richmond (mostly on alto but doubling on soprano) is heard at his very best and trumpeter John Daversa recalls Kenny Wheeler in spots, while Joey Sellers makes one wonder why he is not mentioned when one discusses the top trombonists around today. Rich Eames and Brian Frieldand (heard on separate dates) do an equally fine job on piano while bassist Kristin Korb and drummer Erik Klass offer alert and tasteful support. The music is complex but the playing is colorful and the results are quite logical and a joy to hear. Highly recommended.