Eli Howell - Steps Taken (2026)

Trombonist and composer Eli Howell delivers his sophomore release with a muscular team of Brian Lynch/tp, Sharel Cassity/sax, Xavier Davis/p, Rodney Whitaker/b, Xavier Davis/p, Ulysses Owens Jr/dr and guest Wycliffe Gordon/tb with a second team with bassist Langston Kitchens leading the way for a hip and bold “ A Clear Sky” featuring the bright alto sax of Thomas Noble.

The regular team flexes the biceps on the bopping take of the Fiddler On The Roof classic “Matchmaker” and “For Garrison” while the bones are sliding richly on a lovely “Reimagined”. Howell works his way well around Davis and Whitaker on the rich read of “Alone Together” and gives the bassist some room on “Dear Helen” before leading the charge on the pumping “A Vontaede Mesmo”. Giant steps.~ By George W. Harris