The Vibe

5-STARS What a surprise is the debut album "The Vibe" by trombonist Nanami Haruta (*2001), which she recorded with her teacher, trombonist and baritone saxophonist Michael Dease (*1982), and a first-class rhythm section featuring Xavier Davis (p), Rodney Whitaker (db), and Ulysses Owens Jr. (dr), and which is reminiscent of the albums by the trombone duo J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding. The album's eleven tracks present Haruta and Dease in brilliant form and leave nothing to be desired. On two tracks (Renee Rosnee's "Girlie's World" and Curtis Fuller's "Algonquin"), Dease also shines as a soloist on the baritone saxophone. The Greg Hill compositions "The Vibe" and "Easy Money" are outstanding, as are Haruta's waltz "Toshi," the ballad "Heartstrings," and the blues "Woodpecker." Also compelling are Christian McBride's "Sister Rosa," with a light Latin touch, and Rodney Whitaker's "Jamerson's Lullaby," a sensitive, relaxed, swinging ballad. I'm sure the jazz world will hear a lot more from Nanami Haruta.