This recording is a left turn for the Amosaya Music label, which has built a reputation for solid straight-ahead, no-nonsense recordings. Not jazz in the strictest sense, the common element in the 12 tracks on this recording is the vocals of the leader, Del, whose soulful rap style should win this some airtime. The improvisational element is minimal, although there are occasional fine solos on guitar and organ. Jazz saxophonist
David Schumacher had a hand in arranging the horns, and he and well-known guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly play on several tunes. The lyrics are printed in the CD leaflet, and rise to the level of, "Whatever you do, man, whatever you do, don't do it."
Amy Helm whistles on a couple of cuts, adding an innovative flair. But, mostly, this commercial effort at fusion will not interest those looking for anything remotely approaching creative improvised music. ~ Steve Loewy