Flute Vibes

Album Review

For his second Summit CD as a leader, flutist Gerald Beckett (who doubles on alto flute, bass flute, and piccolo) continues to explore deserving but less frequently performed compositions by veteran jazz artists, as well as originals contributed by his band. Beckett's brisk arrangement of Wayne Shorter's "The Soothsayer" substitutes the flute for tenor sax as the lead voice, with vibraphonist Erik von Buchau and tenor saxophonist Steve Beckman as the secondary soloists. Beckett's soulful flute is the centerpiece of Mal Waldron's "Blue Gene," which is complemented by Damien Masterson's bluesy harmonica. Beckett's fresh interpretations of works by Jim Hall, Walter Bishop, Jr., and Hubert Laws are also noteworthy. The introductory unison line with the leader's flute and flügelhornist Graham Bruce in "Fami-Lee" (written by Bruce to salute the late trumpeter Lee Morgan) is delicious; the piece also showcases their remarkable solos. "FluteVibes," a collaborative work by Beckett and Bruce, is a cheerful vehicle that blends element of post-bop with an occasionally Latin flavor. Highly recommended!