Tom Harrell has had a longer career than most listeners will realize until they begin to review his discography, which include stints with Horace Silver (1973-77), Lee Konitz (1979-81), Mel Lewis (1981), and Phil Woods (1983-89). Since his time with Woods, Harrell has recorded as a leader in a variety of projects and settings. His latest release, Light On, stands as a highlight of his discography, a disc for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

One notices instantly the fullness, the abundance and warmth of Harrell’s tone on the trumpet. In addition, he has a clean technique, which is to say that he concentrates fully on hitting the right notes clearly and in tune. These are standout qualities among trumpet players today. His playing is in outstanding form, sounding fully and completely like himself, free of obvious influences. His compositions, as is usual for him, are melodic and graceful, yet possessing just enough of a twist in form to keep the listener on his toes. There’s no lack of energy in the performances on this CD, as Harrell surrounds himself with a bevy of talented younger musicians: Londoner Wayne Escoffery on tenor sax, L.A.-bred pianist Danny Grissett, energetic drummer Johnathan Blake, and longstanding bassist Ugonna Okegwo. Escofferey has the energy and spark of Wayne Shorter in his tenor playing, and he’s the perfect balance to Harrell’s trumpet.

Light On has no overriding theme or greater weight to carry. It is simply a sublime performance of nine solid compositions (and one reprise) by a jazz quintet that is the equal of any working quartet out there I can think of offhand. The easy West Coast jazz of “Nights At Catalonia”, the gentle lilt of “Fountain,” the Latin-touched “Gronk,” the post-bop energy of “Contrary Mary”—all of these are performed in a highly successful program that is reminiscent of the best live performances, when each and every tune played provides some special highlight that one can take away from the performance.

Light On is not only one of Harrell’s best recorded performances, it’s definitely a top jazz album from 2007 to take special note of.