Trumpeter Richard "Blue" Mitchell: "Blue's Moods"

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a very fine album by boss trumpeter Blue Mitchell. Mitchell was a mainstay in pianist Horace Silver's Quintet for 4 1/2 years and grew to maturity in that band. His style is devoid of showy pyrotechnics but with a sharp precise tones and a lyrical melodic concept. He's one of the few trumpeters who could sustain interest for a whole album without another horn like a saxophone. Blue is ideally paired here with piano great Wynton Kelly and they are perfect for one another and reflect the pure joy of making music. Blue and Wynton are backed superbly by bassist Sam Jones and drummer Roy Brooks. The tunes are standards and a few original compositions by Blue and others. This is one of the most enjoyable albums as it's easy on the ears. Blue's Moods...tonight's Jazz Feature.