Bill Mobley Sextet - Triple Bill (2017)

Trumpeter Bill Mobley is the consummate sideman, having performed on countless gigs and recording sessions with the likes of Donald Brown and Geoff Keezer. Here, though, Triple Bill features Mobley as leader, showcasing not only his fantastic trumpet solo chops, but also his post-bop compositions and refined arranging skills. Mobley has a supple trumpet style that references both the fuzzy moan of Miles Davis and scientific lines of Booker Little. His songs hint at Latin styles, progressive postmodernism, and straight-ahead bop. He is definitely one of the many overlooked musicians of his generation deserving of a wider audience. Joining in the proceedings are saxophonists Billy Pierce and Bill Easley on tenor and alto sax, respectively. Piano giant Kenny Barron easily holds his own, adding elegance to an already classy ensemble. Rounding out the rhythm section are the ever-capable hands of bassist Christian McBride and legendary drummer and teacher Alan Dawson. Sadly, Dawson succumbed to leukemia not long after making this recording. Fortunately, Triple Bill is a superb record of one of his last sessions, thanks to Mobley's impeccable taste and abilities. This is an urbane, moody gem of an album.

Review by Matt Collar