Review of the CD by Mel Minter, April 26-May 2, 2012, Alibi, Albuquerque:

“... What the new release says more than anything is that the trio is its own man, with compositional skills and musicianship worthy of wider attention.”



Review of the CD by Paul Weideman, April 27-May 3, 2012, Pasatiempo, Santa Fe:

"... This splendid, engaging disc is the second album of recordings composed by group members inpired by those immersions [11 tribute concerts 2010-2011]. The musicians are so 'on' that they start into the opener 'Time' sounding as if they're in the middle of a song. Rangel flies along in bebop mode, Glynn walks in a steady eighth-note rhythm, and Haines keeps it fresh with fine work on cymbals and drums. Rangel and Haines co-wrote the Bobby Timmons tribute 'Not So Easy,' a cool composition anchored by a catchy, slightly spooky bass part. 'V' is a lovely piece, reminiscent of Eric Satie, dedicated to the group's artistic director, Victoria Rogers. 'Priorities,' dedicated to Joe Zawinul, is a tribute to free improvisation. Glynn bows mysteriously in the darkish intro and there's a drum break played against discordant figures by Rangel and Glynn, but it's all perhaps a bit tame for the free-improv reference. 'This Is The Place Of Parting,' alternating composed and improv playing, is a fine end."



IF IT GOT ANY BETTER THAN THIS IT WOULD HAVE TO COME WITH A DAY OFF
author: Mark Weber

This record smokes from top to bottom
It smokes while taking a bath
It smokes while walking your giraffe
It smokes in the middle of the night
It smokes in the broad daylight
It smokes while smoking your cigar
It smokes while the cops chase you in your car
Because they think your smoking a giant spliff
Or maybe they just want a hit?
And while they're smoking on the side of the road
They'll hear this groovy Tribute Trio record
And want to get it as a gift
For their precinct drug czar
Because Michael, John, and Cal
Are smoking pure elegance
(and that doesn't come in a cigar)

--mARK wEber
KUNM Thursday jazz host
Albuquerque USA