Magone

Belgian trumpeter/flugelhornist Bert Joris, who has worked with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra and guitarist Philip Catherine, gets an opportunity to lead a date of his own, including nine originals on this mostly studio-recorded CD. With veteran pianist Dado Moroni, bassist Philippe Aerts, and drummer Dre Pallemaerts, Joris proves himself as a versatile composer and player. The playful, breezy "Triple" is dedicated to the leader's cat, while the delicate ballad "Anna" features his mellow flugelhorn in an extended lyrical workout. Moroni contributed the slinky "The Mighty Bobcat," switching to electric piano for it. The only standard is a heartfelt, deliberate interpretation of "I Fall in Love Too Easily," a spacious setting with Aerts bassline suggesting someone brooding as he paces the floor in sorrow. The final track, "Benoit," is an infectious Latin-flavored piece featuring the leader's snappy muted horn, a performance taken from a 2005 concert.