Vincent Herring - The Days Of Wine And Roses (1994)

Altoist Vincent Herring gained his initial recognition for his ability to emulate Cannonball Adderley while a member of Nat Adderley's quintet. On this CD, a 1994 date made for the Japanese Alfa label and released for the first time in the U.S. in 1997, the emphasis is on slower tempos with just a few moments of heat (particularly Jobim's "Triste"). Pianist Cyrus Chestnut often gains one's attention with both his creative accompaniment and solos; bassist Jesse Murphy and drummer Billy Drummond are fine in support.

Herring is in worthwhile form but does not stretch himself much in this setting, playing unadventurous solos on nine very familiar standards, most of which do not need to be revived again (such as "Star Eyes," "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "We'll Be Together Again"). ~ Scott Yanow

Personnel: Vincent Herring (soprano & alto saxophones); Cyrus Chestnut (piano); Jesse Yusef Murphy (bass); Billy Drummond (drums); Daniel Sadownick (percussion).