Compton's Finest

The only thing drummer Brandon Sanders has to prove on Compton's Finest, is his musicality. Here making his recording after being a successful, professional musician for nearly three decades, Sanders is past the youthful need for flashy pomp and circumstance. He instead focuses on serving the material-and supporting an ace roster of bandmates that includes vibraphonist Warren Wolf, tenor saxophonist Chris Lewis, pianist Keith Brown, and bassist Eric Wheeler-with taste and maturity. Based in New York, Sanders grew up in Compton, California-the famously troubled Los Angeles suburb. The title of the album is in the spirit of celebrating rather than denigrating the drummer's hometown. Between the lively, genial readings of the standards, the melodic soul of Sanders's two originals, or the masterful vocals from special guest Jazzmeia Horn on Stevie Wonder's "I Can't Help It" and Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood," Sanders's maiden voyage on record is a serious accomplishment.