Dom Minasi: Quick Response

From jazz's modern mainstream comes "Quick Response," with its soulful organ groove and hip melodic lines. Guitarist Dom Minasi prefers that his title track move fast and furious; and he backs up that wish with positive results. The leader's fiery guitar breaks loose with an articulate fusillade that numbs the senses.

A native New Yorker, Minasi has maintained a jazz trio with bass and drums since he was fifteen. Now 61, he brings his veteran chops and composer's pen to a varied array of contemporary projects.

Minasi's quartet provides an eclectic assortment of moods on Quick Response. Mark Whitecage employs a hearty tone and seamless phrasing to interpret with heartfelt waves of lyrical melody. Organist Kyle Koehler adds a gripping improvisation as well as a solid rhythmic foundation. Drummer John Bollinger colors the session with an assortment of textures to satisfy each different mood. With his partners, Minasi weaves a creative web.

"I Who Have Nothing" swings gently with a danceable, hip-shakin' aura of enthusiasm. "Dizzy Lizzie" moves toward enchantment as the quartet heightens its dramatic input. Their mesmerizing account, while up-tempo and forceful, leaves the audience in a relaxed state through its swinging focus. Similarly, "Softly As In a Morning Sunrise" moves quickly through its paces and should enchant even the stodgiest listener with its blinding articulation and soulful groove. Highly recommended, Minasi's album picks his audience up with a bright, refreshing mood—and superb musicianship to boot.

Audio samples and more are available at www.DomMinasi.com .