Blistering red hot jazz rock passion from drummer, composer and bandleader Cindy Blackman Santana. An outrageously high powered cast includes the drummer’s husband Carlos Santana, Mahavishnu Orchestra icon John McLaughlin, bass guitarist Matt Garrison, son of John Coltrane classic quartet bassist Jimmy, pianist Ray Angry, cellist Dave Eggar and members of Cindy’s touring band.
Highlights include Wayne Shorter’s ‘Sanctuary’ and Wayne’s Five Stars V.S.O.P. The Quintet era piece ‘Circe’ arranged for strings by Dave Eggar.
Guitarist Aurelien Budynek’s ‘Blue Whale’ is also among the very dynamic blend demonstrated by the tunes. Recorded with an emphasis on ensemble interaction rather than overdubbed precision, the album mixes fully composed material with extended improvisation. Not at all a throwback pejoratively, the whole thing fizzes with energy and a creative commotion that chimes with today.