Although
the Grismore Scea Group, a quintet co-led by guitarist Steve Grismore and tenor saxophonist
Paul Scea, was one of the most stimulating jazz groups of the 1990s, it is little known outside of New England. Trumpeter
Tim Hagans and drummer
Matt Wilson have gained some fame but not necessarily for their participation in this group. That is a pity, for on
Of What the unit is masterful at playing post-bop, a music open to influences from older styles but also quite fresh in its ideas. The interplay between the musicians is colorful, each of the songs (all originals by either Grismore or
Scea) evolves unpredictably, and the individual solos are full of spirit and chance-taking. All in all,
Of What makes for a very stimulating listen. ~ Scott Yanow