Listen to a re-release of Philly trumpeter Johnny Coles’ Katumbo (Dance)

Few trumpeters in the world can boast a similar repertoire to Philly trumpet legend Johnny Coles.

He recorded with Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and Art Blakey, to name a few. However, Coles — who passed away in 1997 — has a discography of solo recordings that has long been overlooked. An essential part of the Philly jazz canon, Coles’ 1972 solo album, Katumbo (Dance), has recently been re-released on Bandcamp via Mainstream Records. It’s a warm, buttery example of an experienced trumpeter, leading a band through soulful jazz.

“728,” the third track on the album, opens with a frantic trumpet and sax duet. It’s classic bop; the two musicians are then followed by a flurry of other brass and wind instruments aiming to recreate the manic melody. “Funk Dumplin,” the closing track, is a swung, laid-back track, heavily featuring a synthesizer counter-melody. Though the focus throughout the album is almost entirely on Coles’ trumpet playing, this is a necessary listen for anyone interested in the Philly jazz scene.

Listen to Johnny Coles’ Katumbo (Dance) below.