Drummer
Barry Elmes' second album for the Cornerstone label further explores the comfortable bluesy territory covered by his previous album,
East West. The album is comprised of a mixture of
Elmes' originals, and jazz standards like
Charles Lloyd's "Forest Flower," and
Sonny Rollins' "Cutie," and
Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way." The band sounds markedly different on the tracks that feature guests Greenwich and Williamson, who bring a welcome raw energy to the recording. Both guest artists contribute one original, including Williamson's excellent "Patron Saint," one of the highlights of this double CD. The frontline of Turcotte and Murley are impressive throughout. The second disc is enhanced for CD-ROM.