Mike LeDonne’s 1988 debut as a leader was overlooked by many jazz critics, broadcasters, and jazz fans because it came out on the Dutch label Criss Cross instead of on an American label in the pianist’s homeland. By that time, the then-32-year-old pianist was already a fully formed composer and arranger, complemented by the presence of trumpeter and flugelhornist Tom Harrell, baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan, bassist Dennis Erwin, and drummer Kenny Washington. The loping gait of LeDonne’s opener, “Boo’s Blues,” inspires loose but inspired solos by everyone except Washington (who sticks to time-keeping). His “B.P. Bossa” is actually a burning hard bop number which would have appealed to a bandleader such as Art Blakey during the 1960s. LeDonne’s interpretations of Hank Jones’ “Minor Contention” and Duke Ellington’s bittersweet “All Too Soon” also deserve high praise. This first-rate debut is warmly recommended. – Ken Dryden
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