Saskia Laroo
Jazzkia
Laroo Records, SL9901

Saskia Laroo, trumpet; Albert Sarko, piano; Jos Machtel, bass; Martin van Duynoven, drums

Jazzkia is one of the most refreshing new CDs released in quite a while. Saskia Laroo is destined to carry the torch of some of the legendary trumpet giants of the past. This particular album is a tribute to Miles Davis, but also allows Saskia to show off her composition skills on a tune called "Spin." She then does "Bye Bye Blackbird," "My Funny Valentine," "Perdido," "Doxy," "But Not for Me," and "So What," in addition to a few other straight-ahead Jazz standards including "Saint Thomas."

Her muted trumpet may remind you of Miles, but the style and improv are strictly that of a rising star in the Jazz world. She even uses the lower register to advantage on several tunes; many trumpet players shy away from that. She is currently gigging in Europe, but is no stranger to the United States.

When you listen to this CD your spirits will be lifted, and your vision of Jazz will be clearer.

by Arthur C. Bourassa

Jazzkia is available through the Jazz Now Direct CD Store.