Colors of a Dream

Veteran trumpeter Tom Harrell’s group Colors of a Dream has an intriguing lineup: Harrell, alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, drummer Johnathan Blake, and two bassists: Esperanza Spalding and Ugonna Okegwo. Here on the group\'s debut, they display a great sound, with Spalding’s voice often serving as a particularly lovely instrument among the horn arrangements. Harrell composed all of the album’s music, which is sometimes tinged with R&B and pop flavors. “Tango,” the opener, reimagines the Argentinean musical style as spare horns provide an excellent backdrop for Spalding’s wordless vocals. The next cut, “Velejar,” has Portuguese lyrics and looks to Brazil for inspiration. Harrell displays a gorgeous tone on his lyrical solo, and Spalding’s vocals are outstanding. “Blues 2013” features exciting interplay between Spalding\'s and Okegwo’s basses. It’s striking how their flood of notes flows so smoothly, somehow never cluttering things up. On the closer, “Goin’ Out,” the two basses create a deep groove as Escoffery lets loose a husky solo that nicely contrasts with Shaw’s airy, darting statement.