If one didn't know that bassist John Menegon was the leader of this date, you might not notice him as readily. Certainly he is the wood glue, and the director who keeps the more prevalent voices of his talented sidemen in focus. They are musicians quite skilled and well suited for him, and each other. Half of the material is written by Menegon, and varies between diverse levels of the modern mainstream jazz idiom. A Thelonious Monk tune and three others by his bandmates are tossed in. Standout pianist John Di Martino pushes and inspires front-liners John Gunther and Mark Dziuba, while the flawless drumming of Tani Tabbal is very welcome, considering his recovery from a near fatal illness. Gunther's work on bass clarinet is quite arresting during the dark late-night piece "Mobile Infirmary" and slow stalking molasses blues "That Groove." Adopting a John Coltrane mood similar to "Naima," Gunther's tenor sax floats next to Dziuba's ringing guitar in no time during the title track, and conversely shuffles with Di Martino's soulful organ on "Boo Bop Bass." This is a truly democratic band that balances dynamic postures and levels of intent nicely. If not distinctive, the equality among the five players is refreshingly unique in an ego-driven music world. Hopefully more will come from Menegon and, if not this group, another one of his choosing.
© Michael G. Nastos /TiVo