Bassist/composer Ricky Rodriguez is filled with ideas here, leading a post bop team of Adam Rogers/g, Luis Perdomo/key, Obed Calvaire/dr, Myron Walden/as-bcl and a handfulof guests through some clever originals.
The mix of ice-toned Rogers on guitar is a good call, as he works well on the kinetic pieces such as “The Last Chance” and can shift with the tides, but also is flexible enough to add grace to Calvaire’s chiming cymbal on “Introspection.” Walden’s alto is pungent during the gentle cadence of “Living” while guest Pete Rodriguez brings in his bluesy trumpet while Perdomo gives the Fender Rhodes a workout on the title track. The leader himself does impresive work with his bass, either creating some deep pulses as on “The Real Truth” or opening up to brood along with Rogers’ shimmering six strings and guest David Sanchez’s tenor on the dreamy “A Quiet Refuge.” The team works well as a whole, coalescing to dramatic flourishes on “The Humbleness” and creating a Latin avalanche as piano, percussion and voices erupt on the exciting “Stress Vs. Relaxation.” Are these guys coming to town?