Tom Harrell can write music of such melodic grace and melodic beauty that it can bring tears to your eyes.  Even his complex, up-tempo and challenging pieces retain singable ideas and attractive harmonies that is challenging without sounding pedantic.  On "The Time of the Sun," Tom and his quintet once again reaffirm their place at the top of the post-bop mainstream.  Of course, Harrell's often beautiful, always rigorous solos are to the fore but Wayne Escoffery's tenor certainly plays no second fiddle here.  Whether it be on ballads or driving pieces, the group's expositions, interactions and song development is exuberant and extensive, devoid of gimmicks and are delivered in an energetic, yet disciplined and sophisticated  manner.

TOM HARRELL - trumpet and flugelhorn / Wayne Escoffery - tenor saxophone / Danny Grissett - piano and Fender Rhodes / Ugonna Okegwo - bass / Johnathan Blake - drums

Tracks: The Time of the Sun • Estuary • Ridin' • The Open Door • Dream Text • Modern Life • River Samba • Cactus • Otra

 Dream Text

 Modern Life

 Cactus

 Otra