David Sanchez shows off his versatility and talented improvising style throughout this diverse and well-conceived set. Ranging from bop (making
Thelonious Monk's "Four In One" sound easy) to music in the same area that
Joshua Redman is exploring to moments that almost sound like
Steve Coleman's M-Base,
Sanchez is in consistently creative form. The equally talented pianist
Danilo Perez helps out on most cuts, a few selections have added percussion, and there are guest spots for altoist
Kenny Garrett (who trades off with
Sanchez on a fiery "The Elements") and singer
Cassandra Wilson (who sticks to a haunting background on "Los Cronopios"), but the focus is mostly on the leader, who plays some lyrical soprano on two numbers.
David Sanchez, who is improving and evolving year by year, has the potential to become a major force in jazz. ~ Scott Yanow