by Javier Antonio Quinones Ortiz
Quick and to the Point - in a New Orleans state of mind.
During the '70s, multi-instrumentalist Charlie Miller was in New York playing salsa and jazz. The most important thing, however, was the heightening of his learning curve already well tempered by his rearing in New Orleans and his years with Dr. John. A continual curiosity now leads him down flamenco and experimental path, although on "Peace Horn from New Orleans" we get pieces with mossy, festive, melancholic, swinging, bluesy, tasty, as well as serene solo gumbos.
This rcording is a solo effort featuring original material written by Miller, all but two tunes performed on the trumpet and the remaining on the flute. The touches of flute are quite welcome. May the memory of Alberto Socarras, one of Miller's teachers and performer of the first flute jazz solo, be honored in those emotions seasoned in these renditions.
Aside from engaging compositions, featuring a wide range of emotions seasoned a la New Orleans, Miller's techniue and intelligent use of effects in his trumpet playing keep the solo effort from becoming a boredom quagmire. He stays mostly within a comfortable mid-register range, with a clear tone also capable of getting down with the New Orleans street, while sustaining in the register of the notes with able breathing producing a multi-personality sound.
Granted, he can hit 'em high C's, but feeling, taste, and Southern musical hospitality prevail throughout.
