True Refuge

To Nini Karpel, growing up in Vienna during the 1920s was a romantic confection. Whether schussing down ski slopes or speaking of politics in coffee houses, she cherished the city of her birth. But in the 1930s an undercurrent of conflict and hate began to seize the former imperial capital. This struggle came to a head when Hitler took possession of neighboring Germany. Anti-Semitism, which Nini and her idealistic friends believed was impossible in the socially advanced world of Vienna, became widespread and virulent.

If you can judge someone by the company he keeps, then Andy Laster is top-notch all the way. This quartet is entirely different than his Hydra quintet, yet the quality of the group is just as impressive. Here, he drops the electric guitar and substitutes Erik Friedlander on cello for Drew Gress' bass. The higher-pitched stringed instrument is totally effective, especially in the hands of Friedlander. Cuong Vu plays trumpet, and he is excellent, although it is hard to measure up to Herb Robertson. Kenny Wollesen rounds out the group on percussion, where his sensitive playing fits nicely. Like its predecessor, this recording relies greatly on Laster's awesome compositional skills, which exceed the quality of his own fine improvisations. The disappointingly short recording time (less than 45 minutes) is a shame, considering the eminently accessible layered textures and excellent solos.

Your guide to shelter in most survival situations from a New York Times bestselling author and survival expert.