Matt Musselman and Brian Keegan are hardly the first pair of jazz trombonists to work together in a small group, but they work well together and both contribute fresh arrangements to this session. The set list is wide-ranging, running from the breezy samba "Aquela Esquina" to a brief, effective re-creation of the "Star Trek: Main Theme" with a bit of a Latin touch. Musselman's lightly swinging take of Benny Golson's "Are You Real?" and campy rhumba setting of "Cherokee" (which is impossible to listen to without breaking into a big smile) are two fine examples of updating familiar pieces. His two originals include the delicious "Candy Shoppe Stomp" and the quirky miniature "A Vagabond." Keegan wrote six originals, highlighted by the exotic, intricate "Sanam," the loping old-fashioned "Rascal Moon" (which showcases pianist Rory Cowal), and the percolating samba "Bus-On." Hopefully it is in the stars for Celestial Sliphorns to make a follow-up recording to this enjoyable outing. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Matt Musselman (Soloist), Charlie Pilzer (Mastering), Rory Cowal (Soloist), Rory Cowal (Fender Rhodes), Matt Musselman (Horn (Baritone)), Brian Keegan (Arranger), Brian Keegan (Soloist), Brian Keegan (Trombone (Bass)), Rory Cowal (Piano), Matt Musselman (Trombone), Rory Cowal (Theremin), Brian Keegan (Trombone), Matt Musselman (Arranger), Brian Keegan (Cover Graphics)
