Feel The Sunshine (2002)

"This is a diverse, stylistic gem. Trumpeter Ragin (known of David Murray's several large ensembles) is backed by, among others, avant-garde pianist Craig Taborn. Ragin's concept behind "Feel The Sunshine" is one of peace in the jazz community ánd world community. He has penned several originals that reflect these themes, incl. the 13-minute title track, a lovely rubato piece that opens with the poignant bass clarinet mastery of Assif Tsahar. It is punctuated with Craig Taborn's light piano riffs and followed by the muted trumpet lines of Ragin. It is somewhat reminiscent of John Coltrane's "After the Rain." The jazz standard "Easy Living" features Ragin's splendid ballad chops, while his originals "Pain" and "Hugh's Blues" showcase another side of his musical personality and emotions. Closing whit the short but powerful "Say Goodbye," Ragin solos on an expressive trumpet that features his adept tone, clarity, and the many sound levels and articulation his trumpet is capable of." (Paula Edelstein, Allmusic)