If you like UK trumpeter James Copus you will feel quite at home here with Sam Butler, an American trumpeter making his debut on an album of his often poignant and bittersweet originals. The showcase feature of unaccompanied, humane, trumpet at the beginning of 'When the Darkness Reaches Morning' is striking. And you get the impression of fine tone and control here and later when deeper in the straightahead domain. On the next track 'At Night and Then Upon Waking' with a firm vamp from pianist Luther S. Allison underpinning the plangent group play it's more appealing if a bit earnest. But the whole thing loosens later and you get better shape and authorial impact from Butler who clearly has a presence as a composer even so early in his recording career. On 'Ramifications' tenorist Garrett Fasig introduces himself interestingly, the core group is a sextet. Recorded in a Bloomington, Indiana studio the audio sound quality isn't amazing but spirit means more and the track to go for is the poignant 'Feeling'. Butler is good at being heart on sleeve in both his writing and the sensitivity he brings in his playing personality is the defining impression that remains after the final notes disappear. Sam Butler, photo: sambutlermusic.com
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