MERGE

This is the first CD to be released by the group with all compositions written by Chapman Stick player Nima Rezai. If you are unfamiliar Nima uses the tap method on his stick using one side of the stick as a bass and the other as a guitar/keyboard type of mix. He also uses a synth stick for even more color.

Lyrical but with no singing but not mired in traditional jazz either this CD simply flows from one great melody and passage to another. The second number, "Reng", really gives you a special feel of what the band is about. Great percussion mixed with Sax melodies that are sweet. Intense in parts without being overly loud the composition convincingly displays the complete talent the band possesses. This music can be listened too in so many ways. It works well in your headphones as you listen intently to it or it can be a background sound. It is also versatile as the piece "Tap Space" demonstrates. The piece starts out almost as a standard Jazz piece but about half way through becomes almost a space rock sound then bursts into a be-bop segue with some great sax. Underneath it all is Nima's great stick work.

The rest of this CD just builds from there. I think this a CD I could pick up 5 years from now and still enjoy. The sound is timeless. Enjoy!