It's jazz that matters: no frills or existential treatments here. Let the good times roll as they say, where the musicians stir the pot via zesty swing grooves, and percussionist Joey Gulizia's Latin pulses. However, the ensemble presents a diversified track mix, featuring Tony Gulizia's good-timey and unpretentious vocals on "I Thought About You," for example. And they morph fire and ice while upping the ante in spots via Stryker's lyrically-resplendent single note licks amid their finger-snapping spin on drumming legend Tony Williams' comp titled "Geo Rose."
They cover the Brazilian jazz-element, spiced with a few nicely articulated ebbs, flows and tempo changes while Wimmer's sensitive and at times, blustery sax choruses spawn a distinct edge to the grand schema. Then on saxophonist Tina Brook's "Gypsy Rose," Stryker's beautifully constructed solo rides atop the rhythm section's vibrant mid-tempo swing vamp. It's a thoroughly happening exposition by a unit that transmits a gleeful vibe within its seamless fusion of modern and mainstream jazz. Ultimately, the group-centric dynamic shines glowingly here.
