Big and bold sounds are delivered by the horns of Nick Mazarella/as, Chris Madsen-Geof Bradfield/ts, Chuck Parrish-Russ Johnson/tp, Tom Garling-Joel Adams and the rhythm team of Mike Allemana/g, Stu Mindeman/p, Clark Sommers/b and Xavier Breaker/dr along with some guest vocals on this confident collection of (mostly) originals.
The soul cover fits in with the mood, as John Coltrane’s “Wise One” ebbs and flows like waves on a full moon with Allemana giving rich guitar work. The rap by Keith Harris on “Anthem for a New Generation of Sociopolitical Reactionaries” is already obsolete, but that doesn’t detract from the soulful groove, while the hip hop voice works well as he struts over the sirens on “Not There Yet”. Maggie Burrell is lusciously soulful as she sings over the high hat on “So It Goes” and the team gets into a funky groove for “I’ve Been Meaning To Tell You.” The solos are bright and proud, confident and clarion, only getting muted for the moody and thoughtful “From This Moment”. Bold tones.