David Becker Tribune: Where

David Becker’s warm guitar interprets fresh, contemporary originals and familiar, straight-ahead standards on this modern mainstream trio session. With his brother at the drum set and friend Tom Lilly on bass, Becker explores worldly currents and impressions of various lands.

”The Monkey” moves lightly with a sprightly bounce, as Becker meanders along spontaneous jazz/rock trails. With the drummer going techno, and the bassist flowing harmony to the four walls, he’s on fire with guitar excitement. “Where’s Henning?” flows more evenly with a Miles Davis mysteriousness. Tucked into this title track, one can feel the driving force that lies behind much of modern jazz. However, this force is felt; not made entirely obvious. The more overt moves come forward through “All Blues,” “Footprints,” and the other jazz chestnuts on Becker’s program.

His guitars carry a personal message, but from a distance. Becker keeps this session, for the most part, cool and comfortable. “As We Speak” grips you with its heady lyricism, while “Bridge Out of Town” emphasizes a foot-tappin’ rhythm. The trio’s musicianship remains impeccable. The album lacks a turn-the-world-upside-down spark, but introduces a fine trio to a larger audience and leaves hope that this excellent guitarist will continue to carry the mainstream torch through these troubled times.

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