Clean toned guitarist Steve Cardenas teams up with the first call supporting team of Jon Cowherd/p, Ben Allison/b and the communicative drummer Brian Blade for nine sleek and lyrical originals. Cardenas reveals the cards in his hands when he produces a gorgeous solo intro that quietly passes the message on to Cowherd on the genteel “Siquijor” while his edgy effects on “Signpost Up Ahead” are like musical big brush strokes on canvas. Blade creates intricate messages with Cardenas on the communicative “Highline” with the team sounding folksy on the reclining “Language of Love” and nocturnal “Lost and Found”. Cardenas has a tune on the acoustic guitar side of life, making you wish for more servings on the dainty “Fern’s Guitar” with the entire tapestry a rich collection of warm hues.