by Scott Yanow
Due to the straight-ahead nature of the music on this CD, plus trumpeter Arturo Sandoval's self-restraint, I Remember Clifford has been many jazz purists' favorite among the trumpeter's releases. Sandoval, who is joined by pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Charnett Moffett, drummer Kenny Washington, and either Ernie Watts, David Sanchez, or Ed Calle on tenor, pays tribute to the great Clifford Brown by performing ten selections previously recorded by Brown, plus his original &I Left This Space for You.& The emphasis is on bebop (no Latin or Cuban rhythms on this date), with the highlights including &Daahoud,& &Joy Spring,& &Cherokee,& and an emotional &I Remember Clifford.&