Time Crunch
A fast, fluid, fun, and out-of-the-box jazz/fusion exploration,Time Crunchfeatures the immense talents of bassistBilly Sheehan(Mr. Big,Talas,David Lee Roth), keyboardist John Novello (Chick Corea,Andy Summers), and drummer Dennis Chambers (George Clinton,Stanley Clarke). Their pedigrees are as impressive as the intricate instrumental odyssey they travel though as Niacin. The triumvirate's fifth outing is full of rich, jazzy, classic-rock-influenced explorations that also have sensual and sonorous sides. Fans of progressive rock will enjoy the covers ofKing Crimson's moody, ominous "Red" andJan Hammer's elaborate and memorable "Blue Wind." With the exception of the gentle and reflective "Glow" (which is dedicated to Novello's late wife), the disc's 11 intense and impressive tracks possess a sense of fun and lightness that won't scare off jazz newbies.--Katherine Turman