Reviewed by Aaron Ferris

Lighting up an organ like something else is Toronto-based composer and writer Mike Janzen backed by George Koller on bass accompanied by one from a variety of percussionists thus making a trio. The core three performers are bolstered further at times by a few other contributors in the shape of some ambient saxophone in "Beauty" and "Swankometer" to a little electric guitar in "Trail Runner". It isn't until five tracks in until that we get to hear the voice of Mike as predominately this is an album of pure musicianship and may I add, at its best. In fact it is only during "Masaya" and "All The Diamonds" later in the album that any vocals accompany the trio. It is somewhat of a pity as his voice has such a rich texture, complementing so well. Most of the songs here are penned by Mike himself but he also finds time to add some personal flair to "All The Diamonds" by Bruce Cockburn, Coldplay's "God Put A Smile On My Face" which works fantastically, with the trio also putting a classy twist on Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs Robinson". Each member gets many a moment of showcasing along the way with the drummer enjoying plenty of rolls and fills in "Trail Runner" and "Almost Tango", over seven minutes of intensely funk filled jazz. A personal highlight is the serene "Where It Goes" when I find myself submersed, I can't help but sit back and appreciate.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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