Squazin'

Ciacca's original "Squazin" is dedicated to his associate at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Wynton Marsalis. (Squazin is apparently one of Wynton's nicknames.) This track comes across like a Horace Silver tune as played by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. A loping waltz-like rhythm sets up the engaging theme, taken in unison by Dillard's tenor and Magnarelli's trumpet. Dillard solos first with a swaggering, gruff tone and enticing fluid lines, ending on an audaciously swooping run that triggers Magnarelli's entrance. The trumpeter displays a richly glowing tone and submits an expertly paced and enjoyably varied solo. Ciacca's improv shows off his glistening touch and soulfully melodic and lucid phrasing. Drummer Green contributes Blakey-flavored support throughout, with forceful stick work, an insistent cymbal ride, and appropriately placed drum rolls. "Squazin" should get a lot of jazz radio airplay.