Trumpeter/flügelhornist
Alex Sipiagin is a veteran of
the Mingus Big Band who has recorded extensively as a leader prior to this CD, though this is his first outing for a U.S. label. Aside from guitarist
Adam Rogers, most of the artists are making their first appearances on a
Sipiagin project, including trombonist
Robin Eubanks, drummer
Antonio Sanchéz, bassist
Scott Colley, multi-reed player
Donny McCaslin, and keyboardist
Henry Hey. "Out of the Circle" is the most infectious selection, with its swirling bossa nova theme. The lively "Flash" is full of sudden twists, showcasing
Colley and percusssionist
Daniel Sadownick. The leader's wife, vocalist
Monday Michiru, is added on several tracks. She has an engaging voice in the demanding Brazilian-flavored "Afternoon Dreams" (for which she wrote the lyrics).
Michiru composed the pop ballad "Sketches of Myself," which is hampered somewhat by her distracting programming, though her husband's rich bass trumpet solo stands out. ~ Ken Dryden