Best known as the heartbeat and pulse of Pat Metheny’s recent work, drummer Antonio Sanchez shows that he’s got leadership qualities of his own on this exciting and energetic release. He’s teamed with some impressive names here-Dave Binney/as and Donny McCaslin/ts make up the front line while John Escreet/p and Matt Brewer/b complete the V8 engine. Besides riding the reigns here, Sanchez proves himself to be an impressive composer, with a panoramic style exposed on the dramatically driving “Uprisings and Revolutions” as well as the rhapsodically mood changing “Family Ties.” The energy and verve by the rhythm section is inspiring and intimidating on a piece like “Medusa” that has the saxes seemingly neck and neck at the Belmont Race Track, while the gospel-ish “Nighttime Story” and floaty “Air” have the reeds swing and sway. Lots of testosterone flying around, which Thana Alexa’s ethereal voice assists on the dramatic title track. Great modern music here.
Cam Jazz Records