Where Do You Start?

From the first notes you hear, you know it's Don. Those soft, lush compelling tones envelope you like stepping into a luxurious hot bath. Seductive, you almost have to sigh�

Yeah, we're talkin' about Don Lanphere, one of my all-time most beloved jazz figures and one of the best friends that I've ever had in the jazz business that I've never met face to face (still keeping up our tradition, huh Don?) Anyway, this new CD is entitled "Where Do You Start?" and it's another classic Don Lanphere masterpiece from this ageless, sagelike bopster. Backed as always by the Origin team of head honcho drummer John Bishop, bassist Doug Miller and the superlative piano stylings of Marc Seales, they glide effortlessly behind Don's urgings. Add Jonathan Pugh on cornet and Jeff Hay on the �bone� you get it�this is one hell of a band, with dynamite production from Don and John.

I've never been a reviewer who feels the need to take you through each cut, play-by-play, like a sports announcer. When I hear craftsmanship at this level, usually I don't look for the weakest track to draw attention to. Good is good, and "Where Do You Start?" is better than that. Great is great, and thank you again, Don.