Search - Terell Stafford :: Taking Chances Live at the Dakota

Taking Chances combines a mixture of crafty originals and timeless standards. The release kicks off with a fiery intro by Dana Hall on Stafford's A Nick Off The Mark. This Afro-Cuban delight showcases Stafford's extraordinary range and control of the trumpet. Tim Warfield on soprano saxophone and pianist Bruce Barth also contribute engaging solos on this tune. Pegasus, written by Barth, is a bebop-oriented tune that displays the artistic range of the group. The pace slows for a lovely rendition of the ballad Taking A Chance On Love by Duke, Fetter and LaTouche. Warfield on soprano, Stafford on flugelhorn, Barth and Hodge all play exquisite solos. The group has a fresh take on the traditional Jesus Loves Me. The rhythm section vamps while Warfield and Stafford exchange phrases. This culminates when the melody is played in unison with great force. The group finds its groove with Blues For J.T., a funky original by Stafford, which he dedicates to his father. The ballad Old Folks by Hill and Robison showcases Stafford's fluid and lush playing on this standard. Paper Trail by Dana Hall bounces with great energy. Warfield displays why he is one of the great tenor players today. Stafford and Hall build off each other throughout the song with their hard bop phrasing. The evening comes to a close with a bang on Warfield's hip composition Shake It For Me.