Makaya McCraven emphasizes percussion here as he plays drums and does things with loops and overdubs along with a rhythm team of Justefan/vib, Matt Ulery/b, Junius Paul/g, Joshua Abrams/b and a collection of transient soloists Marquis Hill/tp, De’Sean Jones/ts, Tony Barba/ts and Jeff Parker/g. The approximately 75 minutes has the music divided up int four sections, all spotlighting kinetic grooves with it being up to the vibes and guest to create a sense of variety.
Four parts with Justefan have the drums and sticks ricocheting off each other on material like “The Jaunt” while guitar and trumpet add some variety on “Lonely” and “Three Fifths A Man.” Some nice bass work communicates well on “Quartz” while guitar effects add thickness to “Requests.” Languid guitar and trumpet tick tock along on “Time Travel” and the tenor gets into the act on “Finances.” For some reason there is background chatter on some of the pieces, maybe to make the recording seem spontaneous. Jam fans will love this, but not one who are into solos are well crafted melodies.
International Anthem Recording Co.