Bill Mays: Piano | Martin Wind: Bass | Matt Wilson: Drums Guest: Ingrid Jensen – Trumpet | Rich Perry - Tenor Saxophone

The album leads off with Sutton-ly. This tune is also an effective introduction to Martin’s musical Family on this album. On the head, the horns achieve a beautiful blend, reminiscent of the finest Blue Note efforts of Freddie Hubbard and Wayne Shorter. Pianist Bill Mays digs in and cooks; saxophonist Rich Perry slips and slides; Ingrid Jensen thrusts and parries on the flugelhorn; and they’re all anchored by Martin’s bass and Matt Wilson’s drums. During Matt’s solo he never loses sight of the tune, yet keeps it interesting. The next tune, Maria is a bass and piano duo. It’s a showcase for his beautiful arco technique. The Sheetkicker is full of beautiful moments. After a brief brush intro Rich Perry introduces the melody, later joined by Ingrid Jensen. It’s like two relay runners passing the baton. In Lullaby, Rich Perry is at his lyrical best. This tune also shows Bill May’s mother-of-pearl touch. And throughout there’s Matt Wilson’s supportive brush work gently urging the soloists on. For My Brother is a trio tune written for Bill Mays. New Life is heavily influenced by Kenny Werner’s method and approach. Compositionally it’s a definite high point of the CD. The bittersweet Last Waltz is tinged with both the sadness of seperation, and the hopefulness of a new beginning. The album’s final track is Family which features four tracks of bass: melody, bass line, harmonic comp, and background melody behind the solo. All this over Matt Wilson’s funky brush work. It’s a terrific down-home coda to the CD!