In Good Hands
Pet Mantis, 2022
8/10
The Canadian composer and guitarist Avi Granite highlights some of the best from his country across these solo performances that are intimate and offer very careful interpretations of his best work.
“Like A Magazine” opens the listen with Pat LaBarbera’s soulful and meticulous tenor saxophone that’s full of warmth, and “19 Seconds Or Less” follows with Ted Warren’s acrobatic drumming, which is quite exciting in its flawless execution.
Further on, Ted Quinlan brings his spirited electric guitar prowess to the soothing, graceful “Like John”, while “Basho” recruits playfully plucked bass from Neal Davis for one of the album’s best selections.
Approaching the end, “Boston” lets Tom Richards’ vivid trombone skills shine, and Nic Fraser’s proficient drumming exits the listen with the adventurous and very controlled “Critical Eddie”.
A listen where each track radiates in its own distinctive light, the all star cast illuminate Granite’s esteemed work with much poise and a timeless quality you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Ernesto Cervini- Joy; Jacob Chung- Epistle