The Vibe

In a word, wow. Trombonist Nanami Haruta wastes no time in knocking one right out of the park with her debut album, The Vibe. Mentored by Michael Dease out of Michigan State University, he joins her on the album, on trombone and bari sax. The rhythm section on The Vibe is enviable, featuring Xavier Davis on piano, Rodney Whitaker on bass and Ulysses Owens, Jr behind the drums. Haruta's a talented composer as well, contributing two lovely ballads ("Toshi" and "Heartstrings") and a fun mid-tempo swinger ("Woodpecker"). Songs written by Curtis Fuller ("Algonquin") and Christian McBride ("Sister Rosa") are played very well here, too. If this is Nanami Haruta's debut, I can't wait to hear what she does next.