I first encountered Ches Smith via Tim Berne's Sanke Oil. In October 2023, I found him again, live with Ceramic Dog. This album grew on me QUICK! An unbelievable amalgamation of talent and expression. Jonathan Pryor
This album is terrific fun. Terrific grooves, melodies and counter melodies from start to finish. Add to that the big band-like dynamics, the odd power chord and a little bit of wig-out skronk. It doesn't re-invent the (jazz-rock) wheel but I don't always need that. You can have a bit of fun and still make great music! jazzrob