Brad Goode's Nature Boy

Trumpeter Brad Goode is a former Chicagoan now living in Colorado who teaches at the University of Colorado. Delmark has just issued his latest recording, Nature Boy, where he is backed by the trio of Jeff Jenkins on piano, Johannes Weidenmueller on bass and Todd Reid on drums on a varied program of standards and originals.

Goode discusses in the liner notes what he does to accomplish his goal of giving “an honest and personal interpretation of a song,” as he tries to learn everything about the tune. “I not only what to memorize and understand the lyric, I also want to sing it through my horn. I want to know the history of the tune: Who has performed it. How has it been interpreted by others? …” Doing so, he brings fresh nuances to well known standards like the title track, with plenty of his brought round trumpet as well as the ballad I Remember You, one of a number selections featuring his muted playing. 

Even with his original, Nightmare of the Mechanized World, one hears the attention to detail in his composition with its clock-like sounding progressions that provide the basis for his improvisation. More muted trumpet follows on the revival of the teen-ballad Sealed With a Kiss. Eddie Harris’  Infrapolations is a quick-tempoed number that sounds a bit like Giant Steps, and its quick tempo displays how agile Goode’s muted playing is. Pianist Jenkins is especially strong here, but is consistently strong throughout. A bit of late night or very early morning mood is present on the leader's It’s 4 a.m., with a nice solo spot by bassist Weidenmueller. 

Nature Boy is a splendid CD by a marvelous trumpeter, composer and leader.

I was provided a review copy by the record label. I wrote this review for Jazz & Blues Report but do believe it was published. Here is Brad in 1994 as part of the Chicago Reunion Band (Von Freeman, Jodie Christian, Rufus Reid and Jack DeJohnette).