Blues Twilight Review

Edward Blanco - ejazznews

Though just released this is a recording long in the making ever since trumpeter Richard Boulger recorded his debut album back in 1999 (“The Calling”). The album was actually recorded in two sessions between 2005 and 2006 capturing some of the last performances of the late great pianist John Hicks who graces the recording. The music in “Blues Twilight” represents a blend of progressive mainstream jazz with a bit of the hard bop flavor making for one exciting project.

The compositions are all originals ranging from mid to up tempo tones with a distinctly brassy feel to them. Besides pianist Hicks, Boulger’s band includes pianist Anthony Wonsey, appearing on a few tracks, David Schnitter and Kris Jensen sharing the sax duties, bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Victor “Ya-Yah” Jones.

The title track is a powerful cut containing strong and loud horn play from Boulger and Schnitter while pianist Hicks dances on the keys for the first of several hard-driving tunes. The others include “Miss Sarah,” “Letting Go” and “The Other Side” all characterized by fine trumpet phrasings from Boulger. He performs solo on two short vignettes, “For Souls Past” and “From The Night.”

Also included here are two ballad style pieces with the tune “Tears” composed after the Asian tsunami of 2004 and “A Flower For Mary” perhaps the better of the two. “Perceptions” highlights a duo performance by Boulger and drummer Jones on a complicated piece of music. The disc ends with the burning “Time Flies” with salvos from Jensen and Wonsey as well as the leader in a terrific finale.

The album features electric solo performances from both saxophonist, a lasting impression from pianist Hicks and an energetic contribution from Wonsey on other tracks.

Trumpeter Richard Boulger delivers a powerful musical statement with “Blues Twilight” crafting an exciting album of contemporary sophisticated jazz that is bound to be noticed by critics and jazz audiences alike.