The jazz/hip-hop and acid-jazz schools continue to generate interesting, if erratic projects.
The Solsonics' instrumentals and reworkings and incorporation of such jazz classics as
Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay" and
Ahmad Jamal's "Superstition" are intriguing, featuring fine solos from saxophonist
Jim Akimoto, trumpeter
Elliot Caine, keyboardist Mike Boito and special guests like guitarist
Norman Brown. When lyrics and vocalists are included, the quality dips, mainly because they didn't find a lyricist whose contributions matched their playing skills. But their spirit, intensity and interaction are so good that it's easy to overlook the trite lines and lightweight vocals. ~ Ron Wynn