Jazz trombonist Phil Ranelin, now 70 and 3½ years removed from a near-fatal automobile accident, celebrates life with every note on his latest album, "Living a New Day."The title track, in particular, is a touching tribute to the human spirit. With a gentle rap mixed with some lightly grooving funk, Ranelin asks listeners to give peace a chance. Both musically and lyrically, it sounds like a gentle response to some of Gil-Scott Heron's epic political tunes of the '70s. In the album's liner notes, Ranelin said he'd written the song a number of years ago, but it took on new meaning after the accident. Amen to that. It's a beautiful and poignant tune.
The rest of the album is even prettier. With pianist Dave Matthews and guitarist Calvin Keys whispering the sweet melody of Kenny Dorham's "Blue Bossa" on their instruments, Ranelin's trombone sings. I don't know of many trombone solos that are sweeter.
Ranelin says he called Gregory Howe, the president of Wide Hive Records to pick up some copies of his 2004 release, "Inspiration, and Howe booked him in a studio. Ranelin had two weeks to write songs for the new project.
You can't tell. They're all good; "Naptown Afternoon," which I presume is a tribute to Ranelin's hometown of Indianapolis, is great. On it, Matthews switches to organ and drummer Donald Bailey sets a swinging tempo. Ranelin bounces through the tune. He glides through "Escapeology Maximus."
"Living a New Day" really is a good album. It's a great way to celebrate the fact that Phil Ranelin is still with us.
