Guitarist
Alex Domschot's use of space, emphasis on slower mood pieces, and range of colors is at times reminiscent of
Bill Frisell although in his own dryer voice. Bassist
Marc Johnson is featured bowing throughout the lengthy opening atmospheric ballad "Sad Princess" and "Teachers." Drummer Vic Stevens is mostly in a very supportive role behind
Johnson and
Domschot, who takes turns in the spotlight. There are occasional departures (especially
John Coltrane's "Some Other Blues" and "Coal Man," which is dedicated to
Ornette Coleman), but most of the selections are taken at slow tempos or out-of-tempo altogether, with the emphasis on setting a mood rather than swinging. There are some dull stretches and one wishes there were more variation in moods, grooves, and styles, but certainly the musicianship cannot be faulted. ~ Scott Yanow