In 2001, the Germany-based
Winter & Winter label began reissuing the impressive
JMT catalog in sequential fashion. One of the first of these reissues is trumpeter
Herb Robertson's inaugural solo effort, recorded in 1985. The production is repackaged with
Winter & Winter's customary textured cardboard jewel case and includes an insert depicting the original LP cover artwork. Here,
Robertson's golden-toned horn is beautifully recorded and enhanced by the 24-bit digital remastering, although
JMT was well-known for its superior audio quality anyway. And while this release might be considered relatively tame compared to the horn man's late-'90s and early-'00s
free jazz-style extravaganzas, his torrid exchanges with saxophonist and subsequent employer
Tim Berne provide more than enough fireworks. Guitarist
Bill Frisell injects his angular phraseology and slithery lines into the grand scheme of things, as the band flirts with modern and
free jazz while also engaging in a few peppery swing vamps. Simply put, this is a significant outing by a trumpeter who has influenced many yet has evaded widespread recognition over the years. Recommended. ~ Glenn Astarita
