Manhattan Melody

Personnel: Stanton Davis (trumpet, flugelhorn); Dave Mann (soprano & alto saxophones, flute); Mark Dresser (bass); Vinny Johnson (drums); Carl Stoermer (electric percussion, drum programming).
Recorded at A & R Studio, New York, New York on May 31 and June 1, 1988. Includes liner notes by Marty Cook.
Trumpeter Stanton Davis, who has a wide range and impressive technique, pays a tribute of sorts to New York City through seven of his compositions, a collaboration with Carl Stoermer and one song by the latter. Essentially a pianoless quartet date with atmospheric sounds from Stoermer's electronic percussion, the changing grooves, vamps and themes range in style from Lester Bowie (Davis played in his Brass Fantasy) to late-period Miles Davis and a touch of Freddie Hubbard. Stanton Davis has a fairly original and attractive sound along with a flexible style that allows him to sound somewhat accessible in the complex settings. Dave Mann gets to do some wailing on his reeds (alto, flute and best on soprano) while bassist Mark Dresser and drummer Vinny Johnson are alert and supportive of the lead voices. This is an intriguing disc that grows in interest with each listen. ~ Scott Yanow