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Album Review

Jae Sinnet is in some ways a throwback to drummers of an earlier age. Although this CD is his own date and he wrote six of the nine selections, Sinnet sounds quite content to play a supportive role behind the other players, where his contributions are both tasteful and swinging. Sinnet is heard in two separate settings. Five numbers are by a trio with pianist Allen Farnham (who in different spots sounds a bit like Oscar Peterson and McCoy Tyner) and bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa, while the other four songs (which include a bright version of "On the Sunny Side of the Street") feature Sinnett with tenor saxophonist Billy Pierce, altoist Jesse Davis (who often emulates Cannonball Adderley), trumpeter John D'Earth, pianist Cyrus Chestnut and bassist Clarence Seay. All of the musicians are up to par, making the most of their concise solos and working well in ensembles. Superior modern mainstream music that can be enjoyed by straight-ahead jazz fans.