Saxophonist Andy Parsons and drummer Gene Lewin lead bassist John Patitucci and guitarist Ben Monder through a smart set of melodic Parsons originals on Flip! At no point does the improvisational interplay cease, as Lewin and Patitucci lay down the swing and Parsons and Monder dance on top. Despite the constant motion, however, this is no technical blowout. Parsons keeps the melodies sweet and flowing. His sax playing, mellifluous without becoming soppy, fits his style perfectly, and Monder's fleet-fingered but spare runs compliment the leader's horn lines nicely. Listen to the way Monder's volume swells add buoyancy to Parson's melody licks on "Miss Conception," or the way both musicians exhibit sheer joy in playing in "Lot of Our Souls." Throughout all the players just revel in the pleasure of playing straight-up, no-bullshit jazz. If you need a traditional jazz fix, you'll flip over Flip!

For fans of: Bob Mintzer ,Greg Osby ,Pat Metheny's non-Group projects

— Michael Toland, High Bias , July 2003

Copyright © 2003 High Bias