(Positone)

Trumpeter Joe Magnarelli has an amazing tone that makes listening to him play a real pleasure. This statement also applies to his latest release Lookin’ Up!. The production is mostly comprised of Magnarelli’s own artful, original compositions, along with nicely arranged tunes by John Coltrane, Jimmy Van Heusen and John Handy. The playing  by the outstanding supporting cast here is top shelf, with the talents of of Steve Davis on trombone, Anthony Wonsey on piano, Mike Karn on bass and Jason Brown making up the stellar quintet. The group shifts gears from high-speed swing to melodic ballads with great ease. Magnarelli has delivered a truly great recording worth hearing.