Here’ s a clever idea that grabs your imagination. Composer/guitarist/rapper Gene Pritsker has taken on the ambitious job of creating a modern opera. Sort of a 21 st Century NYC version of “La Boheme,” the piece follows the life of a struggling artist. The libretto by Jacob Miller is taken up in narration by Miller himself along with Charles Coleman and Lynn Norris as the two main characters. A quartet of vocalists along with a wide ranging mix of musicians take you from semi free form modern vocals to some jazzy moments as on “In the Mist, Stone Cheeks Glisten.” Wondrous chorals are found all throughout as on “The Pinch of Being Broke Again” and fragrant strings glide on “The Way That Girl Holds On To His Arm” and do some clever pizzicato on “Just The Way I Draw.” The voices are crystal clear and veer between modern musicals and modern left of center jazz free form. The whole piece holds well together and doesn’t get self indulgent for one moment, always keeping your attention. Impressive and original!