Montezuma

Another solid outing from trumpeter Brad Goode, who shows from album to album how changing a few little things can have a big effect. Whether it's adding an unusual instrument to the mix or rethinking old standards and modern pop tunes, there's always plenty of interesting stuff going on. His current album has Goode joined by pianist Adrean Farrugia, bassist Kelly Sill and drummer Anthony Lee. Aside from some nifty originals, the highlights on the album have to be a fantastic cover of "My Funny Valentine," that sees Goode playing it relatively straight for the song's first half, then absolutely taking off for the latter half. A nice-and-easy rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Until You Come Back to Me" is a joy on its own merits, but some nice soloing opportunities kick the enjoyment factor up a notch or three.