Elegy – Rex Richardson

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A brilliant trumpeter who balances successful careers in both jazz and classical music, Rex Richardson has a warm tone, a wide range, and an adventurous style. In his career he has worked with such greats as Joe Henderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Stefon Harris, Dave Holland, Dave Liebman, James Morrison, Chris Potter, and Kurt Rosenwinkel among others plus many orchestras. His virtuosity sounds effortless and his flow of creative ideas seems natural and endless. He first recorded as a leader in 1992 and has led more than a dozen albums since then.

His latest recording, Elegy, has Richardson leading a quintet/sextet with tenor-saxophonist Charles Owens (JC Kuhl guests on one song), altoist Steve Wilson on three numbers, and two different rhythm sections. The trumpeter contributed five originals, Owens brought in two, and pianist Dimitrije Vasiljevic contributed one song.

The music is mostly modern modal and hard bop jazz that challenges the soloists while covering a variety of moods. The opener, “Peanuts & Ice Cream,” has a catchy riff melody, soulful tenor playing by Owens, a sophisticated and passionate statement from pianist Daniel Clarke, and some pretty spectacular trumpet playing. “Lefty In The Clover” is a haunting waltz that inspires lyrical solos from bassist Andrew Randazzo, pianist Clarke and Richardson. “The Tao Of Heavy” is particularly notable for the trumpeter’s opening cadenza before the piece becomes a little funky. Vasiljevic’s “Aurora” is a medium-slow strut that includes some wailing alto from Steve Wilson.

Each selection has its memorable moments. “Honey Badger” has the horns playing rapid lines and includes a heated statement from Richardson. Owens’ “The Sunday After” is a moody and somewhat mournful ballad. “Seize Every Day” is both a little funky and quite unpredictable before the memorable program concludes with the stormy jazz waltz “No Resolution.”

Elegy is filled with fiery and inventive playing by the lead voices while bassists Andrew Randazzo and Randall Pharr (who have occasional solos) and drummers Brian Caputo and Kofi Shepsu contribute stirring accompaniment. This is one of Rex Richardson’s finest jazz recordings to date and is easily recommended.

-Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian

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