Search - Jeremy Wall :: Stepping to the New World

Breezy world-beat fusion from former Spyro Gyra sideman

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 10/30/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Jeremy Wall's second solo release presents a consistent set of his breezy world-beat jazz compositions anchored by his piano and electronic keyboards. Additional instrumental spice is provided by Grant Geissman's nylon-string guitar, Jeff Pevar's electric guitar, Dave Samuel's vibes & marimba, Richard Stoltzman's clarinet, Lew Soloff's trumpet and flugelhorn, and Tom "Bones" Malone, on trombone of course. Danny Gottlieb on drums and Barry Campbell and Jay Anderson on basses provide solid rhythmic backing. Vaneese Thomas provides a good lead vocal on "Fly Away", the sole track with English lyrics. The third-world ethnic flavor is particularly prominent on the opening and closing tracks, via a chanted group vocal that fades out a-cappella. Current Spyro guitarist Julio Fernandez and Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza lent their voices to this chorus."