The Visit and For Joey

Socci, a long-time student of bebop giant Jackie McLean, teaches and plays with the Steve Lord Big Band and the New England Jazz Ensemble. Socci's fire and ideas motivate this accomplished group (which includes two of bassist Cecil McBee's ensemble, Pianist David Berkman and drummer Matt Wilson). The album features four originals by Socci, including "The Visit" inspired by a dream (with appropriately weird moments), and Hale-Bopp," a blues over a 7/4 rhythm by trombonist Peter McEachern. Socci moves to alto for a sometimes raw reading of "You Go To My Head ." Archie Shepp's modal Ujaama" pulses with energy and zest. Bassist Tony Scherr sets up an infectious samba on "It Might As Well Be Spring" and the quintet digs deep into Jay McShann's "Jumpin'The Blues." - Dave Burns, Jazz Times

Socci's been a long time student of Jackie McLean - so long in fact that he switched from alto to tenor in order not to sound too much like him. And forunately on The Visit, he doesn't. His band has a diverse resume that doesn't stick to the bop scene: ranging from Scherr who's played with Al DiMeola, Woody Herman, Norah Jones and the Lounge Lizards, to McEachern's regular gigs with bluesman Clarence "Gatemount Brown". Nonetheless, its still a very bop influenced band and McLean fans will find Socci's release carrying on the altoist's sylistic legacy. Tight, creative playing throughout; with 'It Might As Well Be Spring" considered a highligt by this writer. - Dave McElFresh, Cadence Magazine