Scott Wendholt - Through the Shadows (1994)

On trumpeter Scott Wendholt's second recording as a leader he has gathered together a group of his better-known peers tenor saxophonist Don Braden, pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Ira Coleman, and drummer Billy Drummond to perform five post-bop originals, two jazz classics, and one standard. In addition to proving himself an under-recognized talent on his chosen instrument, Wendholt displays promise as a composer, having written some challenging material for this recording. The title track begins as a ballad with the melody played by Braden on flute and Wendholt on muted trumpet that, after a brief drum interlude, begins a new melody played by trumpet and tenor sax over a driving Afro-Latin groove. "Hour of the Pearl" opens with a piano intro that segues into a relaxed swinger, while "Kaleidoscope" is a burning blues with a lightning-quick melody. Other favorites include a swinging version of Sam Rivers' "Beatrice" that features Wendholt's muted trumpet and a up-tempo, pianoless version of the standard "Just in Time." Drummond's drumset versatility stands out throughout this recording, showing why he is one of the busiest musicians on the jazz scene. Through the Shadows is a positive step in the development of this fine musician. ~ Greg Turner

Scott Wendholt Quintet: Scott Wendholt (trumpet); Don Braden (tenor saxophone, flute); Bruce Barth (piano); Ira Coleman (bass); Billy Drummond (drums).