Lineage

When young trombonist Andrew Kim took a quintet into the studio to record his first record, he couldn't have picked a better rhythm section than pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. Saxophonist Sharel Cassity joins Kim on the front line, and the result is a very nice blowing date. Bassist Steve Bowmans steps in for four songs, producer Michael Dease plays baritone sax on two tunes, and guitarist Randy Napoleon joins for two cuts. Owens' swing and the entire rhythm section lay down a comfortable foundation for everyone to thrive, but pianist Xavier Davis really steps forward. Kim's approach is studied and sure footed, and his arrangements are creative. Owens Jr. connects the solos and steps to the forefront on the Latinish-funk of JJ Johnson's "Cube Steak," (which gets a nice arrangement for Altin Sencalar,) but Ulysses supports everyone to perfection on the other tracks. "Nostos" is the best track, the stop-time arrangement of "Discovered Ease" is cool, and the swagger of "Bit of Heaven" are also very good cuts on this, very enjoyable record.