Joe Sherbanee - The Road Ahead (1998)

Most recordings in the pop/jazz field tend to have one similar selection after another -- music recorded with the main goal of getting radio airplay. Joe Sherbanee, who alternates between drums and keyboards, stretches the idiom a bit during his colorful set. The personnel changes from cut to cut and so does the style to an extent. Some pieces are highly electrified, while others use a standard quartet/quintet; there is even a trio outing with Sherbanee on keyboards and both Jimmy Haslip and Steve Araujo on basses. Two selections have harmless R&B/pop vocals by Danny Donnelly but most of the other music is on a higher level. Among the key soloists are acoustic guitarist Marc Antoine; Eric Marienthal on tenor (where he sounds a bit like Grover Washington, Jr.), alto and soprano; Jason Freese on tenor; and keyboardist Theo Bishop. Some tunes are funky and soulful while others (such as "San Luis") are much more wistful. Throughout the date, Sherbanee is mostly content to be in the background, supporting the lead voices and making sure that the results are melodic and pleasing yet not overly predictable. This well-conceived set (which is highlighted by a version of the Beatles' "Blackbird") is well worth taking a chance on.

Review by Scott Yanow