Sean Jones - Eternal Journey (2004)

Sean Jones makes a splash into the pool of jazz trumpet players with this debut recording. At 25 years old, Jones has a sound that's reminiscent of other modern trumpeters in the vein of Marcus Printup, Nicholas Payton, and Roy Hargrove. A teacher and student pursuing a doctorate at Duquesne University, his musical credits include names such as Jon Faddis, Joe Lovano, and the Gerald Wilson Orchestra. Though Jones is considerably new on the block, Eternal Journey benefits from a stellar group of musicians which includes Ralph Peterson, Mulgrew Miller, Orrin Evans, and newcomer Tia Fuller, who contributes impressively on saxophone and flute. Veteran Charles Fambrough rounds out the set of musicians with solid bass work. The eleven compositions include five written by Jones, two by Fuller, and four standards. Jones has a controlled and sparkling sound that is evident on the opening up-tempo piece "Gullyism" with rapid solos. He also performs with poise on the mellow title "Eternal Journey" with the addition of Fuller’s lovely flute work. Things do get interesting on "The Serpent" with its circuitous syncopation and urban-styled flair. The veterans perform as expected with Peterson’s all-encompassing drum work and Miller and Evans shining on piano. On "The Last Minute" the art of hard bop is shown in full effect as everyone glows with intense performances. Jones plays like a veteran and brings to mind another seasoned trumpeter, Terence Blanchard, on the soulful "95 South." On an interesting interpretation of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Jones completely shines in terms of composition and harmony as he makes his own statement on the classic. While seasoned listeners may find little new on Eternal Journey, they will be treated to some well executed music and the revelation that Jones is a skilled player with presence and potential. ~ by Mark F. Turner, All About Jazz. 

Mack Avenue, MAC 1016, 2004
Recorded 16th & 17th October, 2003 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Sean Jones - Trumpet, Arranger
Tia Fuller - Alto & Soprano Sax, Flute
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Orrin Evans - Piano
Charles Fambrough - Bass
Ralph Peterson - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Gullyism {Tia Fuller} (5:46)
02. Eternal Journey {Tia Fuller} (6:24)
03. John {Sean Jones} (7:02)
04. The Serpent {Sean Jones} (7:12)
05. You Are My Everything {Mort Dixon, Harry Warren, Joseph Young} (5:44)
06. God Bless The Child {Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog, Jr.} (5:37)
07. At the Last Minute {Sean Jones} (5:41)
08. Searching {Sean Jones} (6:50)
09. Over The Rainbow {Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg} (9:42)
10. 95 South {Sean Jones} (4:36)
11. The Very Thought Of You {Ray Noble} (4:10) 

Total Time: 68:50

Credits:
Producer - Al Pryor
Executive Producer, Liner Notes - Gretchen Carhartt
Mixing Engineer - Jim Anderson
Mastering Engineer - Greg Calbi
Assistant Engineer - Max Ross, Ross Petersen
Production Assistant - Will Wakefield
Liner Notes - Scott Yanow

LINK

Eternal Journey