The Code - Figli Di Baia (2000)

Herein are superb jazz and fusion jams, killer compositions, amazing chops, great sound and production, and sweet-hearted and soulful packaging. Listeners will hear plenty of Scott Henderson; flashes of Frank Gambale; rocking screams of Germany's fusion queen, Susan Weinert; a touch of Holdsworth-ian speed and grace; bits of Pat Metheny; echoes of Nguyen Le; and, best of all, a fresh sound that's all Pelosi's. The Code's Richard Evans is amazing on keys. This release overall brings to mind Weather Report colliding with early Steps Ahead, while holding forth the fire of Tribal Tech yet mirroring the finesse of Steely Dan. The Pat Metheny Group might be another reference, but Pelosi's guitar-synth is much better. Figli di Baia is intelligent jazz fusion with intrigue, and is a pure delight from start to finish. Slick work! -- John W. Patterson