(Joel Behrman)

St. Louis native Joel Behrman is a terrific trumpeter and composer who delivers a serious product that is truly worth hearing on his debut, Steppin’ Back. It doesn’t take long in listening to this effort to know that you hearing the work of a professional musician of formidable skill and training. The song arrangement are tight as the performances. What’s particularly great is to hear the synchronicity between Behrman and the tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens, along with Danny Armstrong on trombone. They sound and swing like a bigtime brass section should. Joining them on the project, with equally great contributions, are pianist Matt Clark, drummer Howard Wiley and bassist Marcus Shelby. The recording features 3 covers, including tunes by Louis Armstrong and Joe Henderson, but Behrman composed most of the album’s tunes, including a suite. With this introductory effort, Behrman establishes himself as a talent of considerable note.