Matthias Lupri seemingly found his calling in life after being indoctrinated to the music of vibist Gary Burton. A graduate of Boston's renowned Berklee School of Music, Lupri's finely honed craft shines in luminescent colors with his third release as a leader. He garners consummate support from the dynamic duo of saxophonist Mark Turner and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. Furthermore, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Gregory Hutchinson display bounds of creativity atop a polyrhythmic attack.

Lupri demonstrates spider-like dexterity while toggling between a dry, rhythmic sound amid ringing overtones and a shrewd sense of the dynamic. On the opener, "Same Time Twice," he lays down a multifarious samba groove in concert with Rosenwinkel's expressive mid-toned electric lines and Hutchinson's crushing rhythmic forays. The soloists often partake in cheery unison choruses to coincide with a few heated swing vamps. Regardless of tempo, the musicians consistently maintain a groove. The piece titled "Release," is constructed upon Roger's pronounced ostinato, as the ensemble raises the bar thanks to the bassist's blazingly fast walking lines and Lupri's fluent runs. In addition, Rosenwinkel and Turner spin their now familiar magic during several passages. Hence, the quartet's synergy rings loud and clear. Chalk this one up as a top contender for 2002! Feverishly recommended...

Visit Matthias Lupri and Summit Records on the web.