Border Crossing

Alex Goodman - BORDER CROSSING: Though the liner notes make this sound like it's a "chamber jazz" set, it goes far beyond that label... when the vocal from Felicity Williams kicks in against Alex's guitar on the opener, "Acrobat", you ears will realize that you're in for a sonic treat not soon to be put down - in fact, I listened through all seven songs on the first sitting (& have been spinning them over & over again since that first 'round; that's probably because parts of the work reminded me of way earlier works from Gabor Szabo, back in the day). There is real life in these compositions, bubbling over with energy, as on the 9:17 "With Thanks", which is definitely one of my favorite tunes (yet) for 2016 - Alex's guitar work is among the best in jazz today! His ability to express emotions through music is best shown (for this reviewer, anyway) on my personal favorite track, the 6:57 closer, "Pure Imagination"... a sure sign of high talent is being able to raise levels through a slow build, and this piece does that so very well - it will be spinning on your player many times, I can assure you! I give Alex and his musical friends a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this fine release. Get more information at the Alex Goodman website.