A Brand New Take

Erik Jekabson plays both trumpet and flugelhorn along with a collective of Kasey Knudsen/as, Matt Clark/p, John Wiitala/b and Hamir Atwal" for some thoughtful originals and surprising covers. Of the latter, Atwal digs deep with guests Dave Ellis/ts and John Gove/tb while the confident keys and horn blow through Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and an equally funky "My Funny Valentine" shows some CTI-flavored soul. Jekabson's flugelhorn is soft and cirrus shaped with Wiitala's bass on "Chettie" and skates along with Knudsen's alto as Atwal taps out the ride cymbal on "Morning Sunrise" and the whole team swings sweetly on "A Brand New Life." Breaths of fresh air.