Record Reviews

LEW SOLOFF ~ LITTLE WING BELLAPHON 4003099899025 (Barcode: 4003099899025) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 1992 This is an album by American trumpeter / composer Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a septet setting with trombonist Ray AndersonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Gil GoldsteinFind albums by this artist and Pete LevinFind albums by this artist, bassist Mark EganFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenwood DennardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Manolo BadrenaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by the septet members, one is a standard and one is an arrangement of the classic composition by Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, which give the album its title. Soloff is primarily known as the lead trumpeter and founding member of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, but he was very active on the Jazz scene as well, playing with Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, Mingus Big BandFind albums by this artist and many others. His recording legacy is rather limited, with just eight albums to his credit, but he plays on dozens of album by others. His high-pitch virtuosic trumpet notes were his trademark, with very few other Jazz trumpeters able to compete in that department, but he was also a wonderful melodic player and his solos are truly heart-melting. Personally I have always had a soft spot for his superb performances since I’ve heard him first with BS&T, and I tried to follow his solo recordings, which sadly are quite difficult to find. Overall, this is an almost unknown album, which is a superb example of Soloff virtuosity and a great piece of Jazz-Funk Fusion, which deserves a much wider recognition. If you are able to put your hands on a copy, don’t think twice for even a second, as it is a true gem!

Updated: 04/06/2026Posted: 04/06/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend