Gratitude

Seattle resident, Hadley Caliman actually got his start gigging on LA's Central Avenue with the likes of Art Farmer, Dexter Gordon and Gerald Wilson, among numerous others. At some point, he was influenced by the sound of John Coltrane, and it's the Coltrane thing which you can hear in the high energy opener, "Back For More," and on many other selections as well. For this recording Caliman chooses to work with a rather unusually constructed piano-less quintet. His playing mates include Thomas Marriott, a rapidly advancing, often riveting trumpet player; rising vibe star Joe Locke; Seattle veteran Phil Sparks on bass; and the very musical Joe LaBarbara on drums. In addition to the opening tune, the program is comprised primarily of Caliman's originals, all of which give all players plenty of room to blow. All three of the standards on the date, "This Is New," "Invitation" and "Old Devil Moon" are offered with gusto. Caliman's many fans will welcome this overdue date for the bristling tenor man.