Although vibraphonist
Frits Landesbergen had recorded a couple of dates as a leader for Timeless prior to appearing as a guest with
the Jeff Hamilton Trio on the 1996 studio session
Dynavibes, the Mons CD should introduce him to a wider audience. With
Hamilton's first-rate drumming and solid accompaniment from pianist
Larry Fuller and bassist
Lynn Seaton, the trio turns over the spotlight to
Landesbergen, who acquits himself rather well with his four-mallet technique playing a mix of standards like "Cherokee" and "Sweet Lorraine," bop classics ("Killer Joe"), and a quartet of intriguing originals, including the funky "Happy Kick" and a smoking tribute to a legendary vibraphonist, "Blue for Milt." Overall, this is a very rewarding session. ~ Ken Dryden