Jazz review: Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet

Infinity (three stars)

San Francisco-based Wayne Wallace gives the trombone a human dimension, which is a way of saying his main focus isn't blinding technique. If you dig Wayne Henderson with the old Jazz Crusaders or Fred Wesley with James Brown, you can envision where Wallace is coming from on "Infinity" (Patois), a Latin jazz album with soul. Wallace employs a smoky tone, punchy repeated-note riffs and the occasional shout to advantage.

This is a good-time album with moments of reflection (for example, Eubie Blake and Andy Razaf's "Memories of You" done as a bolero) and spiritual communion (Wallace's title tune). Guest vocalist Jackie Ryan appears on two standards, "Love Walked In" and "Close Your Eyes," in ensemble as well as lead roles -- a most impressive asset. There is also a group of background vocalists on a couple of other cuts, scored like a horn section (and not sweetening). Wallace frequently overdubs other trombone parts to enlarge the ensemble sound. Flutist and vibist Roger Glenn also appears on a track.

The rhythm section -- pianist Murray Low, bassist David Belove, drummer Paul Van Wageningen and percussionist Michael Spiro -- knows when to accent Wallace's extroversion and when to paint in contrasting colors.