Battle Cry

by Scott YanowThis blowing session is one of Ryan Kisor's strongest recordings. The 24-year-old trumpeter is in prime form during two basic standards (his "It Happens" is based on the chords of "It Could Happen to You") and five standards, including Ronnell Bright's underrated "Sweet Pumpkin," Freddie Hubbard's "Birdlike" and a lengthy rendition of "I'm Old Fashioned." Kisor is joined by the underrated organist Sam Yahel, guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Brian Blade on the high-quality hard bop set. Recommended.