If Four Was One
With such a uniquely brilliant concept behind them, this quartet's success is ensured even before they go into a studio. Their only weapons: three eclectic electric guitarists (Charlie Hunter, John Schott,Will Bernard), one drummer (Scott Amendola), and the songs ofThelonious Monk,James Brown, andRahsaan Roland Kirk. No matter whose tune they're playing, they seem to combine the approaches of all three simultaneously: Monk's curiosity, Brown's insistent rhythms, Kirk's passion. Not only can they execute their ideas, they also have a great deal of fun mixing and matching the various composers. Sometimes two melodies will battle each other for supremacy; other times a quirky Monk melody will be backed by funky grooves. Somehow, it all blends together seamlessly.--Marc Greilsamer