Album Notes

An obvious labor of love, Sweet—11 tracks of swinging, straight-ahead jazz, including seven
original compositions from Jan McDonald (trumpet, flumpet) and/or the producers, Bert
Dalton (piano) and Jon Gagan (bass)—presents some of New Mexico’s musical
heavyweights, among others, in superb settings that range from a duo to a 12-piece
orchestra. McDonald plays in a shaded tone with a spare, almost baroque lyricism and an
emotionality deepened by its understatement. “My Funny Valentine,” which you probably
thought you’d never want to hear again on the trumpet, gets a particularly restrained and
touching reading that gives the Repeat button a workout. The writing is often superb, as in
the opening, title track, where trumpeter Bobby Shew’s bright, brassy sound complements
McDonald’s darker tone; “Sweet Thing;” and “Sorry Bastard Blues”—all from McDonald’s
pen. The remainder of the entire praiseworthy crew includes Dave Anderson and Arlen
Asher (saxes and flutes); Jay Crutcher and Steve Marsh (saxes); Ed Ulman (trombone); the
tremendous rhythm section of Dalton, who gets special notice for his deliciously tasteful
comping, Rob “Milo” Jaramillo (bass), and Jon Bartlit (drums); and the string quartet of
Daniel Brandt and Margaret Carpenter (violins), Allegra Askew (viola), and Sally Guenther
(cello). Bravi.
Review from Mel Mintner, The Weekly Alibi, Albuquerque, NM