– General Description: Mallet instruments are the main focus for all these compositions. Harmonica, vibraphone, steel pan over bass, piano and percussion/drums. Caribbean and blues influences with a sharpness and shine gathered up from the jazz of Chicago and NYC. Nice and noisy; a thick sound tapestry that needs your attention if you're going to enjoy it. So sit back and listen well. You'll be glad you did.
– FCC Compliant: YES
– Recommended Tracks: 5, 6
– Track Reviews:
1. (5:33) Crossings - very NYC feel; experimental, block chords, lots of percussion then bass solo and vibraphone
2. (8:33) Always in My Heart - Caribbean feel; harmonica opens and carries the main melody, then steel pan, then everyone ambling along
3. (7:45) Finding Center - NYC feel; more upbeat with fast vibraphone taking center stage, mishmash of ideas
4. (7:24) Anthem - NYC feel; very upbeat, vibraphone again shines the most, dramatic ending followed by 12 seconds of silence
5. ****(4:37) The Sweetest Soul (For My Father) - moving; bowed bass with velvety steel pan and piano
6. ***(6:06) Saudade - Caribbean feel; you are in the islands
7. (6:27) The Hero's Journey - fast and bright NYC feel; again with vibraphone in charge, long drum solo with block chords driving it
8. (4:30) A Brighter Day - Caribbean feel; steel pan and harmonica make it very happy