JAZZ -- April 23, 2006

Bobby Lewis, "Instant Groove" (Southport) ***

In his younger days, Chicago's Bobby Lewis was best known for his work in swing-era and earlier idioms. Now, though, it's the optimistic modern-jazz settings throughout "Instant Groove" that inspire his most attractive quality, a buoyant, middle-register lyricism on both trumpet and flugelhorn. His lines are straightforward, so while his lovely solos in "Edda" and "Morning" feature delightful turns of melody, they are nevertheless uncluttered by nervous asides or interjections.

Lewis' striking entrances and calm developments often contrast vividly with his partners, especially with busy, eclectic saxophonist Pat Mallinger, who evokes (among others) Wayne Shorter when he plays tenor and Cannonball Adderley when he plays alto. The 12 tunes here range in styles and moods from ballads and a Jelly Roll Morton piece to a Shorter tune and originals, including an especially fetching "The New Delhi Deli." Curtis Robinson, guitar, and Jim Ryan, piano, are the other main soloists, and the fine rhythm section is especially hot in the three Latin-jazz pieces.

John Litweiler