The Other One

Dana Legg leads a popular big band that plays around greater Chicago, though this CD is likely to be an introduction to those who live outside the area. The veteran trombonist is a veteran jazz educator and performer, while the personnel in his band changes a bit over the course of the CD since the sessions were some five years apart. Starting with a peppy performance of the legendary arranger Lennie Niehaus' setting of "I'll Take Romance," the band plays with both gusto and nuance. Bandleader Gordon Goodwin contributed the invigorating chart of "Take the 'A' Train," which showcases guest tenor saxophonist Mark Colby. There are also terrific originals present, including Colby's swinging vehicle "Riley's Thang" and the leader's warm "Father Day," the latter featuring Bill Calkins' lush flügelhorn and effervescent trumpet solos, though a strangely out of place synthesizer sneaks into the picture in spots. This is one of many rewarding CDs issued by Sea Breeze that give greater national exposure to established regional musicians like the talented Dana Legg. ~ Ken Dryden|