Shine

Cornetist Warren Vache, Alan Barnes (on baritone, alto, and clarinet), and Tony Coe (switching between soprano, tenor, and clarinet) team up on this CD with pianist Brian Lemon, guitarist Dave Cliff, bassist Dave Green, and either Allan Ganley or Clark Tracey on drums. Coe is the wild card on the set, for not only is he more modern than the other mainstream players, but he often plays his weakest axe: an occasionally out of tune soprano. Still, with Vache's beautiful tone and some worthy frameworks (including beginning the two versions of "Shine" without the rhythm section), this set has its moments of interest. Among the better selections are "Drop Me Off in Harlem," "Pee Wee's Blues," Duke Ellington's "Purple Gazelle," and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." ~ Scott Yanow