Paul Wertico (best known as drummer with the Pat Metheny Group) displays his wide musical tastes on this interesting CD. Assisted by such talented friends as soprano-saxophonist
David Liebman,
Bob Mintzer on tenor, pianist
Richie Beirach and bassists
Dave Holland and
Victor Bailey along with many other jazz and world music players,
Wertico explores originals that range from eerie vamps and poppish grooves to odd sound explorations and more straightahead structures. In general the longer tracks work better than the short interludes. The leader mostly stays in the background except for his 31-minute tribute to
Max Roach ("The Max Factor") and he is content to push the lead voices. This impressive effort grows in interest with each listen. ~ Scott Yanow