Vin-Slidin'

For his third date for Steeplechase, trombonist Vincent Gardner not only omits a second horn, but also utilizes guitarist Tom Guarna in place of a pianist, with bassist Greg Williams and drummer Quincy Davis rounding out the band. The result is solid effort that swings like mad. Gardner, who has recorded with Marcus Roberts, Wynton Marsalis, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, opens with a fluid arrangement of Nat Adderley's "Teaneck," while also mastering Charlie Parker's intricate, rapid-fire bop vehicle "Koko." His laid-back treatment of Duke Ellington's infrequently performed blues "Rocks in My Bed" is complemented by Williams' walking bass and Guarna's spacious accompaniment in an extended workout. Gardner adds a mute for the intimate setting of Wayne Shorter's "Wildflower," a beautiful, subdued performance. The standards include a lush, romantic setting of "For Heaven's Sake" and breezy interpretation of the always popular "Just One of Those Things," helping to nicely round out this recommended session.