By Bobby Reed

“The 18 original compositions strike a balance between merely improvised sketches and meticulously constructed large-ensemble works. Particularly compelling are the wordless vocals of Keri Johnsrud. Singers frequently talk about their instrument being on equal footing with the other players on the bandstand, and that’s certainly the case with Johnsrud’s contributions here… Most of the pieces here are short, with 13 tracks that clock in at under four minutes, which keeps the pace lively throughout the hour-long program. The sturdy, insistent grooves of songs like “Fun Five Funk” and “Looking For Alex” are hard to resist. Bravo.”