James Morrison & Adam Makowicz - Swiss Encounter: Live At The Montreux Jazz Festival (2025)

On his jazz waltz "My Delight," James Morrison plays trombone with such ease and authority that he could be excused if he chose to stick exclusively to that instrument. Actually that would be a shame for Morrison is an equally talented trumpeter (sounding a little like Clifford Brown), altoist and pianist; he also flies planes and climbs mountains. On Swiss Encounter, Morrison doubles on trumpet and trombone, demonstrating his wide range and mastery of bop. Pianist Adam Makowicz, whose viruosity is often taken for granted, clearly enjoyed playing with Morrison, creating intense and witty solos that fit in well with his co-leader's powerful flights; bassist Buster Williams and drummer Al Foster complete the quartet. On "Blues For Judy," Morrison uses multiphonics expertly on trombone and at one point trades two-bar phrases between both his trumpet and trombone! This somewhat obscure release (which was originally made available through Atlantic) is well worth searching for. © Scott Yanow