Jacky Terrasson: What It Is

With Mino Cinelu on congas and Ugonna Okegwo running the acoustic bass, Terrasson tears up the house on "What’s Wrong With You!" It’s high-powered energy that will grab you and hold on. The liner notes call it hyperactive. Blue Note’s web site offers a representative sample of this one. Similarly, the contrast that Terrasson presents with ballads such as "Little Red Ribbon" allows one to appreciate the artist’s lyrical approach. Michael Brecker’s two guest appearances and one vocal track ("Better World" in Spanish from female vocalist Xiomara Laugart) add variety to the session. The album ends with a creative arrangement of Ravel’s "Bolero." Rick Centalonza provides the familiar flute and oboe melodies while Terrasson and Cinelu stretch out. Acoustic and electric piano choruses provide contrasting segments, while Cinelu’s exotic drum collection adds a wide variety of percussive energy. Terrasson’s What It Is is quite creative, right out of jazz’s mainstream, and a real winner. Highly Recommended.