The Observer Concord***

Saxophonist Irabagon won the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, which opened the door for this Concord debut with a blue riband, straight-ahead rhythm section in Kenny Barron (piano), Rufus Reid (bass) and Vic Lewis (drums), with Nicholas Payton (trumpet), guesting on two tracks. It’s very well done. Irabagon, mostly on alto and sounding like a mix of Stitt and Cannonball Adderley, has stunning command and fluency; he also writes well. But the impression persists that he’s playing here within his considerable capabilities; there’s a broader-based, more expressive musician in there than emerges, or is allowed to emerge. A touching tribute to the obscure but great and original pianist Elmo Hope, with a duet played with his widow, Bertha, is one indication of that. Irabagon is a player who, really pushed, seems capable of delivering more. See concordmusic.com