For his ninth Criss Cross session as a leader, trumpet sensation John Swana makes the scene again with several of his peers from the city of Brotherly Love for a follow-up to 2001's "Philly Gumbo" (CRC #1203). Featuring the twin tenors of Bootsie Barnes and Larry McKenna, this CD offers a bristling set of hardbop delights, the kind of fare you might hear in Philly when dropping in at Ortlieb's Jazzzhaus to catch Swana for a set or two. The rhythm section has Sid Simmons on piano, Mike Boone on bass, and drummer Byron Landham.

For his tenth Criss Cross date as a leader, trumpeter John Swana presents his first twin-tenor sextet. Swana, tenor saxophonists Eric Alexander and Grant Stewart, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington have intersected on many occasions, but never together in a group. Bright Moments focuses largely on original material with a couple of standards thrown in for good measure; but the writing is so captivating, the performances so attention-grabbing, that it feels like an album of well-known songs. The ever-inventive Swana creates here challenging contexts for his sextet, with an emphasis on hard-swinging and refined balladry.

On his 6th Criss Cross date, Philadelphia-bred trumpeter guides a swinging quintet through a program of originals & standards; it showcases his writing & offers sophisticated bop, a basic blues & greasy modal grooves played w. virtuosity, passion, wit & maturity.

This CD features the pariing of two hot trumpeters, the young veterans Joe Magnarelli (from New York) and John Swana (from Philly) in a buring sextet date that also features the swining tenor sax of Eric Alexander. In the rhythm section Joel Wiskopf, Peter Washington and Kenny Washington provide solid support. Hard bop at it's best.