Joe Magnarelli Quintet - Why Not

Trumpeter Joe Magnarelli's debut as a leader features the boppish trumpeter in a straight-ahead setting.

His quintet, which is augmented by percussionist Daniel Sadownick on "Bella Carolina," also features spirited solos from tenor-saxophonist Eric Alexander and pianist Renee Rosnes. Every selections works well during the mixture of standards and originals. Among the more memorable performances are a revival of Tom McIntosh's "Cupbearers," an up-tempo "After You've Gone," Magnarelli's "Y-Not" (which is based on "The More I See You") and the trumpeter's sensitive ballad feature on a slow version of "When Your Lover Has Gone." Why Not is easily recommended to fans of straight-ahead jazz.

Why Not Review by Scott Yanow