It is difficult not to be impressed with the playing of guitarist
Charlie Hunter. By using an extra string,
Hunter is able to create his own basslines and have a very self-sufficient bassless (and keyboardless) trio with tenor-saxophonist Dave Ellis and drummer
Jay Lane that has all of the parts covered. The music on
Bing, Bing, Bing! crosses over between straight-ahead jamming to '70s retro-funk (à la
Eddie Harris) that is infectious enough to fit into an acid jazz setting. However, even at its funkiest, the rhythms are subtle and the improvising reasonably creative, making this a potentially popular group who should still interest jazz listeners. ~ Scott Yanow