Best known as co-founder of the pop-jazz group
Windows,
Tim Timmermans took his role as a solo artist too seriously on his new agey Higher Octave debut
Life as we know it, trying to dominate every track with guitar, keyboard, and percussion. On the much more colorful rock and jazz textures of
Seven Bridges, he focuses on his strengths as composer, producer, and percussionist, allowing some of the finest players in the genre to create a solid ensemble vibe under his leadership.
Timmermans' pieces all sort of have that exotica lite taste to them, hefty on the pastoral imagery ("Moonlight Walk," "Autumn Moon") but also with just enough playfulness to kick the tunes into high gear ("Andrea with the Flowered Bag"). Chief among those interacting are violinist
Doug Cameron, sax/flute ace
Michael Acosta, and
Jeff Beal, whose trumpet adds smoky, dark tones to the mostly happy go lucky affair. Acoustic guitarist
Joe Reyes and pianist
Bill Cantos add South American flavors, while
Peter White's accordion harmony adds a touch of a French cafe to the title track. ~ Jonathan Widran