Shebang is an immensely satisfying guitar trio record. Bassist
Larry Grenadier and drummer Kenny Wolleson join
Steve Cardenas, one of the unsung guitar heavyweights of the New York jazz scene. Comprised entirely of
Cardenas's original compositions, the album possesses that most elusive of qualities -- copious variety guided by a crystalline clarity of purpose. The roomy, breathing feel of the rhythm section creates an ideal environment for the flowing melodies of "Across the Way," "Shebang," "Safer Than Heaven," and "Make It So." On these tunes
Cardenas achieves a loosely swinging lyricism that recalls
Pat Metheny, whereas on "Lucky Number" and "Tai Chi Chai Tea" he hearkens back to the country-folk twang of
John Scofield's Shinola period. "Mr. Mule," co-composed by
Cardenas, Wolleson, and Jesse Murphy, is a playful foray into '70s-inflected garage rock;
Cardenas employs distortion and reveals his unabashed eclecticism.
Three of the tracks feature
Cardenas playing beautifully on acoustic guitar. "Del Cenote" and "Sacre Coeur" have a somewhat solemn character, while "Para Ti," with its lullaby-like melody and almost exaggeratedly sparse drum part, sings with an inspired simplicity. ~ David R. Adler