Awakening [CD]

Part of a new breed of jazz artists expanding the mainstream language in fresh and stimulating ways, trumpeter Ryan Kisor's "Awakening" returns to the organ combo as heard on his debut Criss Cross set "Battle Cry" (CRC #1145). This time around however, Kisor leaves the standards behind and opts for his own originals, which cover a good deal of ground - from the ballad tempo of "Halem Moon" to the bop-inflected "Effing Blues." in addition to Kisor's own bristling solo work, organist Sam Yahel, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and tenor saxophonist Grant Stewart are heavily featured throughout this fervent showcase. On drums is the great Willie Jones III.