The Road Less Traveled

Review

Despite the presence of an all-star personnel (which includes trumpeter Wallace Roney, trombonist Robin Eubanks, Ralph Moore on tenor, altoist Steve Coleman and pianist James Williams), the focus on The Road Less Traveled is on drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith's originals. The music ranges from a couple of tunes in the Jazz Messengers tradition and a tribute to Benny Golson ("Concerto In BG") that features Eubanks' fluid trombone to the brooding ballad "Wish You Were Here," which is heard in two similar parts. Smith's music stays in the modern mainstream but manages to sound fairly original most of the time; all of his sidemen have spots to be featured, and this fine CD was a strong step forward for the significant drummer-composer.