I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hidden Gems, by Brent Laidler, and it has a cool, yet sophisticated approach. Opening with Latin influenced, Haba Verde, Ned Boyd on sax and Brent Laidler on guitar set the theme working with Richard Sleepy Floyd on drums, Jamie Newman on organ and Scott Pazara on bass to create a very pleasant theme. Flute solo by Boyd, Buselli on trumpet and a rich guitar solo by Laidler really make this a bright opener. Led by Boyd on sax, Gemani has a cool island feel and with Newman holding the bar and Floyd on rimshot, Boyd really gives it a ride. An exuberant solo by Newman on organ and a lively soli by Laidler really takes the track to another level. Very nice. Another track with a bright, Latin bottom, Riff Business gives Newman the first pass and his chops shine bright with just the right zing. I really like Buselli's approach on trumpet with a tight yet laid back attack and Laidler's mellow guitar tone really polishes the track nicely. Evening Song takes the pace way down with Laidler paving the way on guitar with Boyd on sax and Buselli on flugelhorn blending nicely. Laidler really really lays down some warm phrasing on guitar and clean articulation by Buselli on trumpet here making this one of my favorites on the release. Bringing things to a boil, Bop Like sets a nice groove. With Buselli on trumpet, Newman on organ, Boyd on sax, Newman on organ, and again excellent phrasing by Laidler this track sails. Wrapping the release is Without A Tres with Laidler, Newman and Floyd playing a jazz "waltz". Compacted in breadth but expanded in depth, this is an excellent closer for a real nice release.
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