Roberto Badoglio: Re-Evaluation-Time

Badoglio resides as the lead musical component, sans a six-string guitarist, while trading zesty exchanges with Hunt's radiant Fender Rhodes work and beefy synth lines. The bassist also integrates two solo compositional interludes among the hard-hitting pieces. No doubt, Badolgio possesses a broad arsenal, and transmits a lyrical musical persona amid the hyper-mode, single note licks and complex, jazz guitar-like chord voicings. Consisting of melodic passages and scorching band-generated unison choruses, the session is embellished by an impeccable recording process.

The band's energized and crafty rendition of sax great, Joe Henderson's "Inner Urge," looms as a major album highlight, where Badoglio and Hunt's linear synth soloing assists with elevating the overall pitch. Moreover, the bassist's supersonic bass riffs are a wonder to behold. However, two-thirds into the track mix, the lack of another musical voice amid Badoglio's continual soloing efforts, equates to a superfluous tone, where listening fatigue rears its ugly head. Essentially, the CD might serve a twofold process, since it would appear that Badoglio is either showcasing or posturing for more gigs via material that does contain some entertaining attributes. Regardless, he's a formidable player who communicates warmth, sensitivity and an enviable technique.

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