MUSIC: This very heady small group jazz blowing session is the work of Andy Parsons (sax), Gene Lewin (drums), John Patitucci (bass), and Ben Monder (guitar). The writing is as much the star as the band — thoughtful, clever, but still grooving. Anchored by Patitucci's flawless playing, and Monder's mind-expanding chordal inventions, the group is free to support the beat or explore Parson's clever and surprising melodies.

DRUMMING: Lewin, who also works with the jam band GrooveLily, has a great light touch but can bear down when he has to. Listne to how he burns on the title cut when Parsons turns his solo into one extended repeating riff. Or catch how he moves around the kit like DeJohnette on cuts such as "Alone In The Loveseat" and "Lot of Our Souls."

VERDICT: Massive solos, incredible drums, transcendent composition. What's not to like? Okay, I didn't like the color of the cover.

© 2003 Drum Magazine, June/July 2003