Fred Lonberg-Holm at his collaborative best – working with a great group of Chicago citizens, each of whom shape the others' sound in the set! Parts of the record have Lonberg-Holm's older style of arch avant energy – an almost academic mode that comes across with thoughtfully expressive passages. Yet other sides of the music are much more freewheeling – and almost swinging, which is quite a change for Fred – but a welcome one too! Things never get too conventional, as the older modes grab back the newer ones from time to time – making for a rich set of sounds that come from Lonberg-Holm on cello and guitar, Aram Shelton on alto and clarinet, Keefe Jackson on tenor and bass clarinet, Josh Berman on cornet, Anton Hatwich on bass, and Frank Rosaly on drums – and, oddly, at some point nearly every band member plays some form of trumpet, too. Titles include "Infra Pass", "It's A Tough Grid", "Later News", "Lazy Day", "Roses", and "Simpler Days". ~ Dusty Groove
A beautifully-balanced trio effort from pianist Dave Kikoski – one that's still strongly directed by his work on the keys of the piano, but which also draws equal energy from the bass of Christian McBride and drums of Jeff Tain Watts! With two players like that along for the ride, you can bet that the music here's got a well put-together sound – never too over the top, nor ever too forced – this really rich organic approach to piano trio modes that sparkles with all of Dave's years of experience! The set's overflowing with great original compositions – and titles include "Russian Roulette", "Drama", "Placidity", "Mr JJ", "Glimmer Of Hope", and "Consequences (parts 1 & 2)". ~ Dusty Groove
A funky funky shimmy from Billy Martin and Wil Blades – a very spare, stripped-down set that's heavy on drums from Martin, and lots of great Hammond and clavinet from Blades! The groove is a lot more focuses, and decidedly more gritty than we've heard from either player of late – almost a return back to 60s soul jazz roots than inspired them both – but touched with some tight 70s funk on the rhythms as well! Tracks include "Deep In A Fried Pickle", "Les & Eddie", "Pick Pocket", "Mean Greens", "Brother Bru", "Toe Thumb", and "Little Shimmy". ~ Dusty Groove
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