Search - Marcus Printup :: Nocturnal Traces

On his fourth Blue Note release, Printup proves even further that he is a crafty and assured hard-bop trumpet soloist. He's capable of bluesy growls, surging bop, swinging runs, and lovely melodicism. As he matures, Printup also shows a willingness to engage in delightful subtleties, winks, and nods. On this record, he manages to fit swing-era covers--"Black Coffee," "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Body & Soul," "Have You Met Miss Jones?"--into a hard-bop context. Yet, something seems lacking from his own compositions: They seem forced and full of self-conscious twists and turns. Still, his voice as an improviser has grown beyond mere Roy Eldridge and Lee Morgan assimilation. Drummer Woody Williams deftly steers the proceedings with a lively rhythmic palette. Printup inches ever closer to that next level, but isn't quite there yet. --Marc Greilsamer