JAZZ ALBUM REVIEW : Saxophonist Takes Lead in Two Quintets

***, VINCENT HERRING

“Dawnbird”

Landmark The saxophonist who came to prominence in Nat Adderley’s group is heard here leading two quintets, one of which includes the admirable Mulgrew Miller on piano and the gifted but sometimes straining Wallace Roney on trumpet. Herring plays alto on his own easygoing “Dr. Jamie,” and plays soprano on an engaging waltz, “Who’s Kidding Who?” Too bad the set opens with an atypical track, eight minutes of casual blues blowing. Later, the compositional factor enters helpfully.

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