Vibraphonist
Joe Locke and keyboardist
Geoff Keezer's third collaboration (their previous two CDs were released in Japan under the New Sound Quartet moniker) is their first live recording as a team. Joining them are bassist
Mike Pope and drummer Terreon Gully (the latter who also took part in their earlier studio recordings) for a stimulating set recorded during the 2005 Ballard Jazz Festival.
Locke's turbulent "Van Gogh by Numbers" serves as a sizzling, catchy opener, framed by an aggressive post-bop theme with a fusion midsection that gets into a bit of a Latin groove as
Keezer switches to electric piano. The pianist's "Fractured" is somewhat loping but loosens up while it progresses as its composer takes flight with a fine solo. Rocker
James Taylor's ballad "Native Son" is successfully adapted as a jazz vehicle, though no credit is given for the arrangement.
Locke's "The King (For T.M.)" is a wild finale, with an energy that never lets up. The incredible chemistry within this quartet is evident throughout the entire performance, so fans of either
Locke or
Keezer will want to pick up this rewarding CD. ~ Ken Dryden