Force of Four

Vibraphonist Joe Locke has been steadily turning out recordings for many years, of consistently high quality, and this latest release is no exception. The vibraphonist and his friends present us with a variety of hard- to post-bop tunes, some gentle and floating, others wild and frenetic, but all gorgeously played. With Robert Rodriguez on piano, a great rhythm section, and a bit of spice from sax and trumpet, the ensemble works together with great spirit and energy. But the vibes rule and set the tone, making this album a fine display of Locke's craftsmanship. It's a definite winner.