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Michael Gothard wrote on February 28, 2007
Well, first off, I have to agree that Mr. LoCrasto's composition skills are superb and he is making the music his own, that is, something that makes a statement about who he is. On the other hand I have to disagree with Mr. Hunters statement that the downside is that "It’s not clear whether LoCrasto wants to be Bill Evans or Gil Evans." The upside is that he is not either of them, and that is what makes someone a great composer and performer. Of course his influences will be seen, but taking that next step of creating a style and voice that is his own is comendable. No great artists were remembered for how well they imitated the greats before them, but were remembered for how creatively they extrapolated what was done before and changed the direction of jazz music.
Furthermore, I think that Mr. LoCrasto's skills as a soloist are very versitle, making introspective statements on the melodies and ideas of this album. This can be seen in his solos on Jaded Brotherhood and After Dusk. The two compositions are very different in terms of mood and each of his solos demonstrate this versitility. The first being driven by the energy of the rythym section creating insightful lines and showing the mastery of his left hand, while the later, having a laidback latin feel, creates beautiful harmonies, reminiscent of Joao Gilberto. The others members, seem to understand the music for what it says and instead of holding back they add to its lyricism. In my review of J. Hunter's review, he contradicts himself by asking more from the soloists, yet at the same time simplicity. Also he completely misinturprets the music, which acutally is fairly simple and accessible to the listener. What does Hunter have to say about the music of Greg Osby or Kurt Rosenwinkel?
