Guitarist Kevin Eubanks kicks it up a notch on his most recent release. He teams up with a hip cast of Bill Pierce/ts-ss, Duane and Robin Eubanks/brass, Rene Camacho/b and Marvin “Smitty” Smith, allowing the horns a lot of solo space this time around. It works particularly well on a funky “JB” (in tribute to the initialed soul master) and a soulful “Sister Veil.” For himself, he shows his taste and chops on an excellent reading of Jeff Beck’s “Led Boots.” The ringer on this serious and sophisticated disc is a freshened up version of John Coltrane’s “Resolution” which mixes Pierce’s sax with some intriguing vocals by Alvin Chea. Eubanks has an excellent ear for putting music together here, and knows when to lay back, and when to take charge of the situation. Well rounded!
Mack Avenue Records