Keyboardist/composer John Escreet is nothing if not ambitious. He’s put out some highly original and creative material, with this latest one being the possible high point. The seven pieces range from panoramic pieces with strings (“Axis of Hope”) and thoughtful ballads to complex and highly intricate ensemble passages that serve as packages for intuitive solos. The foundational band of Escreet, David Binney/as-ss, Chris Potter/ts, Matt Brewer/b and Jim Black/dr adroitly handles fiendishly kinetic pieces such as “He Who Dares” and the title piece like an ensemble dance team running through a marine obstacle course. Adam Rogers loans his wiry guitar on an assertive “Animal Style” and the thoughtfully closing “Beyond Our WIldest Dreams” melds vocals, guitars and saxes to an ethereal finish line. Must be amazing to see in concert!
Whirlwind Recordings