During some of the selections on his SteepleChase CD, guitarist
Vic Juris displays an echoey tone reminiscent of
John Scofield while on a few other numbers he has a dryer and subtle acoustic sound.
Juris' improvising is on a high level, performing "Estate," "Falling in Love With Love," two obscurities, and six group originals (four of which are his) with creativity. His sidemen (pianist
Phil Markowitz, bassist
Steve LaSpina, and drummer
Jeff Hirshfield) are alert and have quick reactions. Two high points are the eccentric "Dekooning" and a tasteful bossa nova rendition of "Estate," numbers that best show off
Juris' impressive flexibility.