Joe Chambers has been known throughout his career mainly as a creative drummer although he has also recorded on piano and keyboards. For
The Outlaw, he prefers to be known as a vibraphonist.
Chambers proves to be excellent on the vibes without neglecting his other axes. On "Poinciana" he plays all of the instruments and on "Bembe" is only joined by percussionist
Bobby Sanabria. Other selections utilize a quintet with the fine if currently obscure saxophonist
Logan Richardson. Nicole Guiland takes effective vocals on "Come Back to Me" and "I Think It's Time to Say Goodbye." The music covers a wide range of styles, from hard bop and post-bop explorations to mood pieces, borderline fusion, and Latin jazz. This intriguing and constantly surprising set grows in interest with each listen. ~ Scott Yanow