"Jones’s use of dynamics and ability to change from an energized trumpet-laden run to a calm space of background instrumentals is striking. Jones is a musician after my own musical heart...This album is one of the best that I have ever listened to and reviewed, and it was simply a pleasure. I hope to hear more from this remarkable trumpeter in the near future. His talent definitely shines on this album, as I am sure it does in his other work. I cannot stress the absolute joy I had in listening to this album. So please, if you are bored with the same music on your playlist or in your music libraries, this album will be a new energetic addition and will your music collection complete..."

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"The compositions deliver a mixture of fast running, tight ensemble lines (The-Jug-or-Not, Inception, Dizzyspell, Do you Wor Kalonge?, Chaos Groove) as well as breathable pieces (Pivot, Angels, Flights Beyond, Jone-Marie, Philly Time Zone) all lend themselves to strong improvisational sketches. Old school Funkytown Shuffle just gets the toe-a-tapping..."

"Employing a warm and round sound across the full range of the instrument, Melvin Jones stylish approach draws comparison to some great trumpeters like Clifford Brown and Lee Morgan. Pivot is a remarkably well-done musical project full of powerful moments sure to shine the light on Jones as a musician and leader..."

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"This is an album that I’d call “pure pump”, because it is an album that pumps. Melvin Jones is a trumpeter who will, for all intents and purposes, smack the fuck out of anyone who cares to claim they can play better than him. In other words, he’ll play and he’ll compliment and jam, but he’s in for the kill, he is not pulling any shit for the sake of making you feel good because you’re a special guest..."

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"Jones is one of those trumpet playing MVP s that's in the background of everything and is finally getting the chance to step out on his own. A great throwback to 60s and 70s jazz/funk, this high octane set is a wonderful way for a deserving player that's paid his dues to grab the spotlight. Energetic in all the best funky, Bluenote old school ways, Jones shows that he's much more than a key player in the grand scheme. Tasty stuff that hits all the right notes in first class form..."

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"In many jazz conversations about the future of jazz there is a question often heard of how to keep the integrity of the roots of "straight ahead" jazz and infuse the ideas of different genres of music that represent younger generations. Melvin Jones offers an answer to that question with his CD, Pivot. Having worked with so many different musical talents such as Maysa, TLC, Avery Sunshine and played in ensembles such as Rio Negro, State of the Art (Sonny Emory) and the Illinois Jaquet Big Band then the question is answered as to what the music should sound like. Melvin Jones illustrates his perspective on the music as a pivot to signify his growth as an artist..."

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"Melvin Jones – PIVOT: Brass is always invigorating in jazz, and Melvin’s prowess as a horn-man is right up there at the top, no doubt! Though the players he has with him are new to my ears (Marlon Patton’s drums, Mace Hibbard on woodwinds, Louis Heriveaux’s piano and Craig Shaw on bass), this CD is among the best debut albums I’ve heard (yet) in 2011..."

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"Melvin Jones tends toward fiery ensemble passages and small combos, in the basic tradition of Dizzy Gillespie ("Dizzyspell," complete with Latin rhythm) and Freddie Hubbard (the opening "The Jug-or-Knot"). Everything is by Jones or a bandmate (pianist Louis Heriveaux's slinky "Inner Tubes"; saxophonist Mace Hibbard's "Goodnight Moon") except for Richard Smallwood's sublime modern gospel song "Angels," which gets a busy treatment here. The horns tend to dominate the fast numbers ("Inception," with a dauntingly fleet Hibbard solo), while Heriveaux shines on the changes of pace (the almost pastoral title track). Everyone has a highly developed technique: each number is satisfying ("Funkytown Shuffle")..."

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"Sunset rainfall on a hot tin roof. That's Melvin Jones' "Pivot" at first listening. The blazingly smooth Jones showcases his magic for all to hear on his latest outing, a sure bet for independent jazz award consideration..."

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"Melvin is a new man on the jazz scene and he opens up this session blazing on "The Jug-or-Knot". He blows soul into his trumpet on "Angels" and several other tracks like "Funkytown Shuffle" that will expand his appeal to the contemporary crowd. Mace Hibbard (sax) is a part of the band and makes a strong contribution on the title track. "Inception" is a burner that is bursting with energy. The lineup changes throughout the set but remains a tight-knit unit. From bluesy ballads to Latin, Jones makes a strong opening statement..."

"Listening to this record before I even read Melvin Jones’ liner notes, I already knew what he meant by the title of this debut album by him. It’s an album that has many shades of jazz on display, and the constant is the pure, malleable trumpet voice of Jones. So I had to nod in agreement..."

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