Organic

The sophomore album of jazz from the Acoustic Jazz Quartet that isn't actually acoustic (amps and pickups are used throughout). The pieces are written primarily by Jamie Findlay, the guitarist and devout Baha'I follower. Taking the influence of his religion, a number of the works here are based in some manner upon the Baha'i faith and the celebration of the Bab. The playing itself is perfectly good, with Findlay's guitar pulling through some easygoing riffs and the occasional light solo effort. David Sills does his best to emulate John Coltrane post-bop stylings throughout the album, and pulls it off pretty well. Zac Matthews provides an able bass, fueled in part by Findlay's attention to bass lines in his compositions. The compositions range from the slightly jumping to the more sedate explorations of the keys. Overall, it's not a bad album. Nothing with the excitement of bop's heyday, but nothing that deserves any scorn either. Pick it up for a basic instrumental modern jazz album.