Claudio Roditi - Impressions (2007)

Claudio Roditi's 2006 return trip to his native Brazil prompted this recording session, which draws extensively from John Coltrane's repertoire and adds a few originals. Joined by saxophonist Idriss Boudrioua (who doubles on alto and soprano), pianist Dario Galante, bassist Sergio Barroso, and drummer Pascoal Mereilles, Roditi sticks to trumpet for the entire date. Opening with three straight Coltrane compositions is a challenge that's successfully met by the quintet. "Moment's Notice" and "Impressions" add a lively samba groove underneath the horns, while Boudrioua switches to soprano for the shimmering take of the timeless ballad "Naima." Roditi adds a mute for a lighthearted take of "Bye Bye Blackbird," propelled by a soft samba rhythm and Boudrioua's subdued alto. The trumpeter's originals include the playful bossa nova "The Monster and the Flower" and the sauntering "Bossa do Brooklyn," which sounds as if it were inspired by girl-watching on clear spring day. "Giant Steps," the final Coltrane composition played on the session, is taken at a relaxed tempo. There's never a dull moment during this enjoyable meeting. ~Ken Dryden