Joel Forrester and People Like Us - Believe It (1999)

On this set, all seven numbers are by pianist Joel Forrester but many could pass as mildly eccentric 1950's standards, with a couple songs sounding Monkish. Claire Daly's strong baritone playing is a little reminiscent of Lars Gullin's, heavier than Mulligan's but a lot lighter tone-wise than Pepper Adams; in any case, she is a fine bop-based improviser. Bassist Dave Hofstra has been with Forrester for many years, offering supportive lines while drummer Denis Charles, on one of his last sessions (nine months before his death), is both subtle and powerful, constantly creative. The overall effect is quite good-natured and occasionally humorous, showing that modern jazz can be joyful.