Spin Cycle (Tom Christensen & Scott Neumann): Spin Cycle III

Spin Cycle III, by the group Spin Cycle, co-led by drummer Scott Neumann and saxophonist Tom Christensen, opens in a high octane mode, via Neuman's sizzling drums, Pete McCann's stinging guitar and Phil Palombi's muscular, juiced-up bass laying down a precision foundation, with the crisp articulation of Christensen's tenor sax out front. The tune is "Churn," written by the saxophonist, and it has a fine focus of a hot fusion romp.

"Drain The Swamp," another composition from Christensen, sounds like the backing instrumentation to a late-1950s Howlin' Wolf workout, McCann's guitar snapping and popping, Hubert Sumlin style. "Matawan" eases off the gas, presenting a beautiful, intricately arranged ballad from drummer Neumann's pen. This one-two-three opening salvo sets the plan of the day for Spin Cycle III: a tight band with a high comfort level from years of playing together, exploring a range of musical styles, from the 1970s era Herbie Hancock-inspired "Butter Funk," to the spacious introspection of "Thin Ice," to the solemn reverence of "Prayer" and the cool, relaxed grooves of "Form IV" and "Fallacy."

Playing a mix of styles like this risks the making a mess; but the glue that keeps this from happening is the band's cohesion, and the visions of the group's tunesmiths, Christensen and Neuman. Many efforts in this "multiple styles" mode include multiple guest artists, something that often only serves to muddy the waters. But with Spin Cycle III, no guests are needed; the waters remain crystal clear, as the group offers up their vision of their fine-tuned, distinctive modern jazz sound.

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