By John Barron

On his third release as a leader for Posi-Tone Records, acclaimed trumpeter Jim Rotondi leads a stellar quintet of New York heavy-hitters on a straight-ahead presentation of original compositions and standard fare. Featuring the unremitting vibraphone work of Joe Locke, 1000 Rainbows swings hard through up-tempo burners, ballads and laid-back funk grooves.

Rotondi and Locke are as like-minded as they come, unraveling shapely bebop- style lines full of vigor and surprise. The two, plus pianist Danny Grissett, serve up head-turning solos on Locke’s “Crescent Street,” a syncopated reworking of Jerome Kern’s “Yesterdays.” Rotondi’s up-tempo “Bizzaro World,” driven by drummer Bill Stewart, is a showcase for the trumpeter’s rounded tone and fiery technique.

The disc’s two ballads, “Born to Be Blue” and “Not Like This,” affirm Rotondi as a mature voice, informed by his agility and attuned to lyricism, while playfulness is revealed in his clever take on The Beatles’ “We Can Work it Out” and the funky title track.

A veteran of numerous big bands and a founding member of the celebrated sextet One For all, Rotondi has experience on his side. The Montana native has put in the time to develop a distinct voice, illuminated by tradition. 1000 Rainbows is a thorough representation of this exciting and consistent trumpeter.

Track listing: Bizzaro World; We Can Work it Out; One For Felix; 1000 Rainbows; Crescent Street; Born To Be Blue; Gravitude; 49th Street; Not Like This.

Personnel: Jim Rotondi: trumpet; Joe Locke: vibraphone; Danny Grissett: piano; Barak Mori: bass; Bill Stewart: drums.