If you thought fusion died in the early 80s, get a load of this band lead by keyboardist Levon Mikaelian. The air tight band that he leads includes John Lee/g, Blake Meister/b and Tosin Aribisala/dr-perc as well as guest appearances by Randy Brecker/tp and Gary Thomas/ts. The tunes themselves mix post bop sizzle with funky wacka wooka guitars on the charging “Cloudy Minds” that has Brecker leading on the galloping horse, while reflective vocals on the Middle Eastern “Shorora” is both reflective yet restless. Afro Cuban electricity is in abundance on “Shades” and “Speak No Word” as Thomas and Lee sear through the fervent rhythms like a Cold Steel knife through paper, while the percussion sizzles on “Davismile” and the lovely and lonely leader is spotlighted on the closing “I Love You More.” Lots of muscular chops, an abundance of fascinating side roads with enough scenery to keep even a casual tourist pleasantly occupied.