Known for his deft counterpoint, seven-string guitarist
Steve Herberman uses a fingerstyle technique that creates a rich sound. On
Action: Reaction,
Herberman's sound is not only clear and balanced, it distinctly evokes comparisons to master guitarists
Joe Pass and
Jim Hall. Joined by
Drew Gress on bass and
Mark Ferber on drums,
Herberman's improvising is fresh and unsaturated with none of the overextended ideas that could easily lead a listener away from the melodic, airy feeling of each song. All compositions were written by
Herberman and are played brilliantly. Of the nine songs included here, "Cos' Groove" and "Worry Not" and "Snap" exemplify
Herberman's ability to swing with his trio mates in a way that has been formerly resigned to such idols as
Joe Pass and
Jim Hall. This trio has the same kind of ingenuity, interplay and originality throughout the recording.
Herberman's introspective moments appear in the ballad "Nearly Time," as an underscore to
Drew Gress' memorable basslines that later segue into an extended solo. Overall,
Action: Reaction is a strong mix of
Steve Herberman compositions that range from hard bop, blues and boogaloo. It is a fitting follow-up to his debut CD
Thought Lines.