Ralph Alessi – Quiver: More personal vision from sought-after trumpeter

Trumpeter Ralph Alessi is a musician who is growing into himself.

For the past two decades, he has been a much sought-after side-man on New York’s downtown scene, indispensable to leaders such as Steve Coleman and Uri Caine for his ability to adjust to and enhance the visions of others.

Now, on the 55-year-old’s second record as a leader for Manfred Eicher’s rarefied label, a more personal vision is emerging.

With its wistful, melancholic tone and loose but intensely focused playing from four front-rank Americans – pianist Gary Versace, bassist Drew Gress and drummer Nasheet Waits – there is also a resemblance to another great trumpet quartet record – Kenny Wheeler's Gnu High – made for the same label 40 years ago but that is to pay Quiver the highest of compliments.