On this inspired outing, his seventh as a leader, the outstanding guitarist showcases his remarkable facility, warm-toned improvisational flow and rich chordal vocabulary alongside the respected jazz veterans Randy Brecker on trumpet, Ed Howard on bass and Victor Lewis on drums. Chris McNulty contributes ethereal wordless vocals on the gentle samba flavored "Alter Ego" by the late, great pianist-composer James Williams and also on Bollenback's dramatic two-part "Invocation" suite. Other originals like the buoyant, rhythmically-charged opener "Dancing Leaf" and the driving 6/8 vehicle "Songline" further distinguish Bollenback as an accomplished composer as well as a world-class player...... Bill Milkowski |