Strut

Keyboardist is a superb instrumentalist and composer who can perform a range of styles -- including , , and -- with equal dexterity, and his album, , is a good example of his remarkable facility. For this collection of primarily upbeat compositions, combined his trademark memorable melodies with a variety of grooves to create an album on which his accomplished and stylings are spiced with a strong flavor. Generally, this combination works; on layers bright, chirping keyboards over a funky rhythm, and on his irresistibly catchy melody rides atop a rapid-fire groove. and saxophonist enjoy a little give-and-take on and the two create a haunting, gracefully grooving mid-tempo number. has a way with a romantic composition, and his talent for communicating tenderness without becoming saccharine is amply in evidence on the lush and elegant On the opposite end of the musical spectrum, is a bouncy, buoyant, completely infectious -flavored jam that is enhanced by quirky harmonica, courtesy of . On a couple of tracks, the intricate arrangements might be just a little too intricate; the title track, for example, is a strong opening number and certainly sets the tone for the album, but the pulsing, bass-heavy groove and wordless vocalizing threaten to overpower 's delightful melody and fluid improvising. On 's remake of 's star turns in a strong vocal performance, but 's delicate piano fills and solo nearly get lost amid the vocals and the arrangement's powerful rhythm. Overall, however, is a solid, richly varied, and highly engaging collection that is sure to appeal to -- and lift the spirits of -- music lovers of virtually every stripe. ~ Lucy Tauss