(Origin Records)

Saxophonist/composer Geof Bradfield’s Melba is a brassy and powerful tribute to the great arranger and trombonist, Melba Liston. The recording is a work which was commissioned by Chamber Music America for their New Jazz Works programs in 2011, and Bradfield delivers with compositions that are soulful, bluesy, swinging and contemplative, together and apart. The tunes possess depth that come from a skillful blend of past and present. The musical proficiency from every player is truly marvelous to hear. Joining Bradfield on the recording are trombononist Joel Adams, pianist Ryan Cohan, trumpeter Victor Garcia, bassist Clarke Sommers, guitarist Jeff Parker and drummer George Fludas. Singer Maggie Burrell provides beautiful notes for the projects only vocal piece. This is an outstanding homage to Liston and yet another reason to check out the tremendous music being made by Bradfield.