Decidedly one of
Werner's best albums,
Unprotected Music marks the debut of yet another inventive
Werner-led trio. Bassist
Marc Johnson does not appear until the third track, giving drummer
Joey Baron the floor for the fast-moving "Displivet" and the aptly named ballad "Dark."
Johnson arrives fashionably late for "Prelude to a Tribute" and the adjoining "Tribute to Sonny," named for tenor giant
Sonny Rollins. Later, listeners are given a delightful dose of
Johnson unaccompanied on the track simply labeled "Bass Solo." The full trio is ferocious on "Hell Realm," "Eight Groove," and
Cole Porter's "It's Alright With Me," but in just one of several rich contrasts,
Baron sits out for "Vague Wanderings," allowing
Johnson to place simple, round tones underneath
Werner's eloquent pianism. "Luv" takes the cake;
Baron's hand drumming is incredibly suave, and
Werner whistles the catchy melody in unison with his right hand for a couple of choruses. It's priceless. ~ David R. Adler