Neo Neo

Album Review

Considering his inability to write music, one should marvel at Lou Grassi's remarkable ability to consistently form first-rate groups and stamp his individuality on highly sophisticated tunes and arrangements. In addition to Grassi on drums, this unusual quartet consists of two horns — the very talented trumpeter Ron Horton and the versatile French hornist Tom Varner — plus the wickedly subversive cellist Tomas Ulrich. Some of the tracks soar to splendidly delicious levels: the three "Lopey" compositions, which contain a delightfully post-Dixie aesthetic, begin with a duo between the horns, then add the cello, and finally the whole quartet. Some of the other pieces meander occasionally, but almost all present fascinating sounds from the unique instrumentation. While most of the tracks fall under the general rubric of the avant-garde, rarely do they spurn melody, instead embracing apparently improvised melodic lines. Horton and Varner contribute most of the writing, and to their credit, focus on individual strengths to create something just off the beaten track.