Slide Attack Road Trip

Slide Attack
Road Trip
SACD

Led by trombonists Howard Levy and Alan Goidel, Slide Attack is a quintet inspired by the group led by J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding. They bring an ebullient, straight-ahead swinging bop approach to their all original repertoire. The group's other members are Hiroshi Yamazaki on piano, Michael Goetz on bass, and Charles Zueren on drums. The two leaders have experience playing in various settings, including big bands, Broadway shows, and more. Levy contributed five originals, Goidel three compositions, and pianist Yamazaki one.

Things kick off with Yamasaki's "Spring Roll," which was written over the chord changes of Sonny Rollins "Airegin. Pianist Yamasaki takes the first solo, followed by Goidel's wooly solo and Levy's fluttering one before Zeuren showcases his stick work. Goidel wrote the title track that has a bubbling feel featuring Levy's expressive plunger mute solo. Jobim's "Sa Danco Samba" is the foundation for Levy's "Clauditti," dedicated to his wife. He brings a solid drive to his playing, followed by a sparkling Yamasaki solo and Goidel's more gravelly playing. Levy's "Struttin'" is based on Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man," with some fascinating interplay between the two during the opening of this playfully funky performance.

Goidel's "Look Within" is a beautiful ballad that showcases bassist Goetz before the composer's feathery playing. "Owens" was inspired by Levy's Aussiedoole. It is a take on "I Got Rhythm" that opens with a spirited Levy spirited followed by Yamasaki's crisp, fluid piano solo, Goidel's measured one, and another melodic bass solo by Goetz.

"Bluesdemic," derived from the challenging changes of Charlie Parker's "Blues For Alice," is a swinging blues with more top-flight solos. The other selections are equally fascinating. "Road Trip" is an outstanding recording with first-rate tunes, a tight swinging ensemble, and superb soloing.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is a video clip of Slide Attack.