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Noah Haidu has been an important, if under-recognized, contributor to the jazz scene as a member of Native Soul and a sideman with Curtis Lundy, Duane Eubanks, and others. With the release of �”Slipstream,” it’s Haidu’s turn to make a statement as a leader, and it’s an impressive one. The first step is to recruit musicians and Haidu goes right to the top with Jeremy Pelt on trumpet; Jon Irabagon, alto sax; Chris Haney, bass; and John Davis and Willie Jones III taking turns on drums.

Pelt, widely considered the best up-and-coming trumpeter in jazz, and Irabagon, a recent first-prize winner in the Thelonious Monk Competition, are absolutely superb on every solo. They also form an air-tight horn section, playing Haidu’s irresistible heads on tunes like “Soulstep” and “Where We Are Right Now.”

That brings me to the album’s greatest strength: Haidu’s compositions. Never falling back on clich�s and never venturing so far out that he loses the listener, Haidu occupies that sweet spot where melodic adventurousness meets harmonic elegance. And, as a pianist, he is every bit as exciting as the great players in his band.

Ron Netsky / Rochester City Newspaper