Trumpeter
Roy Hargrove's fourth (and as it now turns out, final) release for RCA/Novus was recorded live at various clubs in the Midwest and on the West Coast, and it offers good clues as to why he left the label. It isn't so much that they did anything wrong; the mastering, mixing, mike balances, and sound are good throughout this session. But
Hargrove senses that something has been missing in the music for RCA/Novus dates. There is a low-key feel to much of this music, even on tunes where he is doing superb technical maneuvering.
Hargrove's discs are improving at an amazing pace. There is plenty that is enjoyable about the disc's 11 tracks, but there is never a sense of urgency, and it is time for
Hargrove to assess the situation and see if it can be corrected.