Elephant Path

One of the more exciting jazz musicians to emerge in the first decade of the 21st century, Baltimore-based pianist Lafayette Gilchrist blends progressive 1960s post-bop experimentation with driving, accessible grooves. TOWARD THE SHINING PATH, Gilchrist’s second album, builds on the strengths of his debut to deliver a thoroughly appealing post-modern jazz ride. Whether exploring loose-limbed stride-funk fusions (“New Jack”), riff-driven jams (“Elephant Dance”), or lush, winding melodies (“Unsolved, Unresolved”), Gilchrist displays deft skill with a melodic line that is always surprising. Fans of contemporary pianists such as Jason Moran and Brad Mehldau would be well advised to check out this sophomore release from an up-and-coming talent.

Few British guitarists have given themselves to the blues with the same tenacity and perseverance as Alvin Lee. What to many of his generation was still a received method, to Lee was an organically absorbed culture he completely assimilated in. And what others have later began moving away from – be it toward hard rock, pop, or jazz fusion – to him has always remained a constant source of self-fulfillment…