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Chicago-based trumpeter Eric Jacobson's third album as a leader, "Heading Home," sounds right out of the 1970s mainstream jazz scene, the nineties post-bop revival scene, or, simpler, it just sounds like one timeless classic album of mainstream jazz.
Eric leads an acoustic quintet of high-probe musicians, playing quite conservative, but extremely professional post-bop, with a lot of swing. Cross-generation band combines seasoned pianist Bruce Barth, veteran drummer George Fludas, mid-generation tenor Geof Bradfield, and session bassist Dennis Carroll.
Eight pieces, all Jacobson's originals, sound as if they come from inventive and enthusiastic post-bop times of the early 70s. There is a lot of light, optimism, and elegance in the album's music. Each composition has a different rhythm, from the up-tempo opener "Survival" to the lyrical ballade "My Love for Amy" to the swinging danceable "Heading Home".
Listeners usually expect quality mainstream jazz from Origin label's recordings. Still Eric Jacobson's "Heading Home" is a bit special one - very well played and edited, it is an example of how once great traditional post-bop can sound actual and really attractive today. Can be recommended for jazz purists and modern jazz haters, as well as for everyone who simply loves Jazz.