Joe Magnarelli: Decidedly So

CELLAR MUSIC (RELEASED JANUARY 16, 2026)

Thirteen years ago, trumpeter Joe Magnarelli and trombonist Steve Davis lead a quintet date (Looking Up) on the Positone label. Since that time, they recorded several sessions together or on their own with various size ensembles. With the release of Decidedly So they recapture the unique sound of the trumpet/trombone front line. Unique, because other than the classic recordings from Bob Brookmeyer and Clark Terry in the late 1950s and early 1960s, there have been very few quintets with that instrumentation. Unlike those sessions which demonstrated Brookmeyer and Terry’s ability to play relatively accessible material in a fun manner, Magnarelli and Davis shine in playing straight ahead jazz in the more hard-hitting hard bop tradition. That is evident from the drum solo that opens the Magnarelli original “D.J.,” a classic sounding Bluenote tune that features strong solos from all members of the band, including pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist Clovis Nicolas and drummer Rodney Green. Three more Magnarelli originals follow “D.J.” with the same modus operandi — the easy-going jazz stroll of the title track, the joyful bop groove of “Good Health” and the lush balladry of “10^th Anniversary.” The band continues with three standards that further showcase the crisp soloing of band members and clearly demonstrates the close interplay between Magnarelli and Davis. These include “This Nearly Was Mine,” delivered as a jazz waltz, a jubilant “When I Grow Too Old To Dream” and the lyrical ballad “When I Fall In Love.” In typical blowing session manner, they wrap up the session with another Magnarelli original, “Jimmy’s Blues,” giving everyone a final chance to shine. The musicians were obviously inspired by the tunes, their bandmates and the environment in which Decidedly So was recorded — the Rudy Van Gelder studio, the site of so many other “solid” sessions. Let’s not wait another 13 years for a reprise!

BOTTOM LINE: “Solid” is the best word to describe Decidedly So. Solid choice of tunes from hard bop inspired originals, ballads and blues to standards. Solid ensemble and solo playing from trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, trombonist Steve Davis, pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist Clovis Nicolas and drummer Rodney Green. Solid recording quality thanks to the Rudy Van Gelder Studio. Simply put, Decidedly So is decidedly solid!