In the Rain Shadow

The Origin/OA2 labels consistently present solid mainstream bop oriented jazz, and this disc from trombonist Chris Amemiya - his first as a leader - certainly fills the bill. It�s an enjoyable program of melodic and for the most part hard swinging music sure to please listeners who like their jazz with few frills and surprises without being shocking. Amemiya - not displayed himself as a composer on this date - is for the most part understated, and essentially a full member of the ensemble rather than their dominant leader. There�s a blues titled �The H.O.E.� and �The Lift� both ala Art Blakey�s Jazz Messengers, good unison playing during �Geezers On Parade,� and the sweet, low key �Firefly�. Jay Thomas plays solid trumpet and arranged �Secret Love,� nothing fancy but good key changes are included. The best track is saved for last, a rousing version of Cedar Walton�s �Bolivia� arranged by Amemiya with an original lead and wonderful voicings. On �Camarillo�s Daughter,� the individual sound of his trombone is heard more clearly. Amemiya�s first name translated in Japanese actually mean rain temple, so a rain shadow concept seemed logical. It�s a very decent debut recording that should yield a welcome follow-up by the leader asserting himself further, on
a compositional and instrumental level.