Chris Aschman: Volcanic

Although multi-instrumentalist Chris Aschman's third recording may be a shade less than Volcanic, it does deliver some heavy punches marshaled from its roots in the funk/rock/fusion format. Aschman, who plays trumpet and steel pans, is clearly on board with that, as he wrote all save one of the album's seven numbers and arranged every one.

Aschman's viewpoint is visible as well in his choice of the quartet's drummer, Henry Plumb, who more than anyone makes sure the rock-heavy thump-thump rhythm never wavers, regardless of mode or tempo. Plumb's ardent leverage is ever-present, whether driving Aschman's core group or reinforcing guest vibraphonist Warren Wolf, guitarist Kai Lyons or John Swana on an EVI (electronic valve instrument).

Ascher is a splendid trumpeter, technically sound and creatively perceptive, and an admirable writer within his self-prescribed limits. He introduces the steel pans on Track 4, "Sirens," on which Swana makes his lone appearance on the other-worldly EVI, and uses them again on "Mairi's Wedding" and the closing "Undercover." Tenor saxophonist Tony Peebles takes the first of his two solos on John Bannerman's waltz-like "Wedding," and they are among the session's highlights (the second is on "Undercover").

The first three numbers are relatively straightforward, with vibraphonist Wolf soloing brightly on the sturdy opener, "Select Your Racer," and "Triangles," and guitarist Lyons doing likewise on the lyrical "Neon Dream." The tenacious "Swamp Think," introduced by Ascher and Peebles and featuring Adam Klipple's nimble Hammond B3, completes the program. A solid, well-played album that would have been bolstered by an occasional detour from its unvarying rock/fusion blueprint.