Dimitri Vassilakis' second Candid CD features the leader overdubbing on tenor and soprano saxophones, playing tenor originals with a recurring theme throughout, powered by the strong rhythm section of bassist Essiet Okon Essiet (known for his work with Bobby Watson & Horizon) and drummer
Jeff "Tain" Watts (a bandleader himself as well as sideman with both
Wynton and
Branford Marsalis) on the first six tracks. The music proves infectious, with the players getting into the groove of the compositions. The last four tracks feature the leader playing saxes and drums on his own, utilizing a bass loop from the opening trio track, "Parallel Lines." As a result, these performances sound a bit mechanical, since there is no live interaction between the instruments. "Parallel Lines Groove" wears out its welcome quickly, due to
Vassilakis' over-produced commentary of phrases added to the mix. It is a shame that the "D.I.Y." portion of the disc failed to measure up to the trio material. ~ Ken Dryden