Mario Pavone and Michael Musillami: Op-Ed

Guitarist Musillami wrote half the pieces on Op-Ed, and bassist Pavone wrote the other half. ("Op-Ed" splits the credit, and the classic "Toulon" shares joint credit between Pavone and Marty Ehrlich.) These compositions follow the time-tested formula of head-solos-head, but they offer a degree of flexibility that often masks formal structure. Musillami's playing simply glows here—he's red-hot with energy, and he lacks none of the technical prowess necessary to communicated this fire. His twisting, tangling lines shoot out at light speed without betraying any exhibitionist virtuosity. The rhythm section also deserves special attention. Drummer Michael Sarin almost steals the show, taking his firm role as timekeeper to abstract extremes through pointed dialogue with each of the melody players. Pavone, who's never been one to bask in the limelight, takes his share of pulsing, undulating solos—but mostly he's content to lay back in the groove and provide solid structural support for the group.

The only fair criticism one could offer this recording is that it very rarely catches its breath. The insistent onward advances of Op-Ed do not hesitate. On Musillami's "Swingthing," midway through the record, the tempo and density drop, but the group retains a striking, almost revelatory intensity. Then it's back into the onrushing tide, and everyone kicks back in. Very few modern jazz quartet records display this level of focus and clarity; listeners eager to jump on for a blistering ride will find Op-Ed an unusually exciting sonic voyage. Highly recommended.