In this absolute stunner of a debut CD, drummer Cal Haines demonstrates that in his 40-plus years at the kit, he has learned a great deal about what makes great music. Most important, you need great chemistry, and these guys—producer John Rangel, guitarist Lewis Winn, bassist Michael Glynn, and Haines—have it, maybe because they’re all great listeners. Winn, a longtime favorite here in the Southwest, really brings his A game to the proceedings, playing with an engaging fervency and fluidity. Who knew there were that many chords on a guitar neck? Or that they could fit together so nicely one after the other? Glynn, a relative newcomer to the jazz scene, brings a classical technique and great jazz instincts to the recording. Haines brings his usual astonishingly crisp self. He knows just what it takes to make a tune breathe rhythmically, and he’s wise enough to know that sometimes it takes very little to make a moment special. Few have as rapturous a rapport with their cymbals. Then there’s the guest vocalizing of John Proulx on four tracks, with his cool approach and very warm voice. His understated delivery on “Embraceable You” compresses the song’s emotional content into almost unbearable density—especially effective in contrast to Winn’s romance. Also noteworthy is the drum/vocal duet on “What Is This Thing Called Love?” and the doubled scat/guitar on the intricate Charlie Parker tune “Segment.” The Bright Side is sophisticated straight-ahead jazz played with sheer delight on every cut—seven standards and four excellent originals.