Bill Cosby - Hello, Friend: To Ennis with Love (1997)

Hello, Friend: To Ennis with Love is a touching, moving tribute to Bill Cosby's murdered son that chooses to celebrate instead of mourn. Cosby produced the album, enlisting Lester Bowie (trumpet), Philip Harper (trumpet), Bobby Watson (alto saxophone), Craig Handy (tenor saxophone), Cedar Walton (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Billy Higgins (drums), and Steve Kroon (percussion) to play songs by Horace Silver, Lee Morgan, Eddie Harris, and Bobby Timmons. The result is a swinging, friendly set of hard bop and soul-jazz that is tastefully played, robust, and engaging -- it's a fitting salute to a departed friend.