Known as the drummer in guitarist Mark Whitfield's quartet, this is Donald Edwards' debut as a leader. On In the Vernacular Edwards is joined by Whitfield, fellow Whitfield bandmate bassist Roland Guerin, alto saxophonist Wes Anderson, tenor saxophonist Brice Winston, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, and pianist Peter Martin, all players associated with the New Orleans jazz scene, for a excellent program of six Edwards originals and three jazz classics. The focus on In the Vernacular is on Edwards' composing skills. Compositions such as Finger Painted Swing, Duke of Duckland, and Mr. Brown are characterized by their interesting melodies, shifting tempos, and changing grooves while maintaining their sense of swing, and Essential Passion and Truth of Consequence are up-tempo with more complex melodies; the aptly titled DG's Shuffle has that Art Blakey-inspired feel, with a melody reminiscent of Dizzy Gillespie's Birks Works. Even though two of the three jazz classics are ballad features, John Coltrane's Like Sonny is transformed into an Afro-Latin groove that alternates with a swing feel for the soloists. All of the musicians were up for this date, with Anderson, newcomer Winston, and Payton, as always, sounding particularly inspired throughout in their solo and ensemble playing. This is an outstanding debut for Edwards, music for the head as well as the heart. One of 1998's best releases. ~ Greg Turner, Rovi

1		Finger Painted
2		Duke of Duckland
3		Dee-Gee's Shuffle
4		Sophisticated Lady
5		Mr. Brown
6		Essential Passion
7		Like Sonny
8		Truth of Consequence
9		Lush Life