George Schuller - Round 'Bout Now (2003)

This set is a subtle if sometimes dry tribute to the music of Miles Davis from the 1967-1970 period. Three Davis compositions are performed along with four originals from drummer-leader George Schuller and one by vibraphonist Tom Beckham. Ingrid Jensen, while not sounding like a duplicate of Davis, is a good choice to fill the trumpet spot for she plays with a strong understanding of the early fusion music. Donny McCaslin (influenced by Wayne Shorter and Michael Brecker) fits in well while vibraphonist Tom Beckham gives the ensembles atmosphere and an instrumental voice not heard in Davis' music of the era, replacing the electric keyboard. "Circle in the Round" and "Filles de Kilimanjaro" have the quintet joined by Matt Darriau (on bass clarinet and the eerie-sounding kaval) and Sonny Barbato on accordion, with guitarist Pete McCann on the latter selection and "Vat 19." Although Davis' music from that era is gradually being rediscovered, relatively few musicians have chosen to expand upon it and be creative within the genre. Schuller's group succeeds admirably. © Scott Yanow