Roy Hargrove Big Band

One of the young turks to have emerged in the wake of Wynton Marsalis, jazz trumpeter/composer Hargrove is now, on the cusp of 40, well-established as a leading figure in contemporary jazz. His Big Band have long been a festival favourite but Emergence marks their recording debut, and it's an impressive one. Hargrove terms the group "a spontaneous collective" and he allows his players room to shine. Guest vocalist Roberta Gambarini stars on a sparkling version of the Cole Porter classic "Every Time We Say Goodbye," with her pure voice complementing Hargrove's work in sparkling fashion; she also enlivens the Latin-flavoured "La Puerta." There's a nice mix of material, with Hargrove's compositions featured alongside standards ("My Funny Valentine," "September In The Rain") and contemporary numbers from Luis Demetrio and Chucho Valdes (the breezy, flute-fuelled "Mambo For Roy"). The fact that Hargrove can breathe new life into the overly familiar "My Funny Valentine" with his soulful playing is a testimony to his talent.