(Jazz Legacy Productions)

Trombonist Michael Dease was hooked when he heard a J.J. Johnson album from his father’s record collection. What’s resulted is a 28- year old musical progeny who has played on over 50 albums, alongside some of the great names in jazz. Grace is first recording as a  leader for Dease, and it is terrific debut. Dease already sounds like a virtuoso on his horn and the selection of material, which wheels from blazing swing to gentle ballads, clearly showcases the great range of his talent. He’s joined on the project by an equally varied array of talent, including trumpeter Roy Hargrove, saxophonist Eric Alexander, flugelhorn master Claudio Roditi, guitarists Mark Whitfield and labelmate Yotam, as well as Sharel Cassity on flute. What’s also interesting is that whole project was recorded without a bassist or drummer, although there is some percussion added to several tunes. This is a great opening for Dease, with tremendous contributions from all involved.