Ever since his debut in 1990 Roy Hargrove has been known as the artist who gave jazz impetus. Taken under the wings of masters like Wynton Marsalis, with a great many of memorable performances on his resumé and a large number of CDs to boot, Hargrove can look back on decades of experience in terms of performances and recordings. Known as the "Young Lion" in the nineties, this trumpeter switched from one musical style to another: from neo hard bop to blues, from Afro-Cuban music to ballads with strings. On his new CD Earfood he explores all directions in a delightful way, together with his quintet, a true working band that includes the talented pianist Gerald Clayton. Their repertoire is rooted in tradition but adorned with new elements. The melodious pieces were further explored during the tour and their performance is always revealing and attractive on stage.
