On the one hand, the music by
NDIO (short for
Never Dance in Orange) is funky jazz, conventional if colorful and witty. Featured are spirited solos from leader and tenor saxophonist Frank Van Der Kooij, trombonist
Robert Jarvis, guitarist Niels Brouwer, and pianist Paul Maassen over catchy rhythms. But what makes this set out of the ordinary is the use of samples on some of the selections, giving the ensembles some otherworldly sounds that make it clear that the music is never that predictable. The music is mostly pretty danceable (even by those who insist on wearing orange) other than a few introductions (such as on "Bone") and is generally quite thoughtful, being subtle even during the more adventurous sound explorations. None of the individual selections are destined to be covered by others, but none are throwaways and the musicians never coast or take it overly easy. Worth checking out. ~ Scott Yanow