This debut from the impressive Midwest-based trio
Charged Particles will be enjoyed by
Chick Corea fans. Keyboardist Caleb Hutstar really has the
Corea sound down, particularly on synthesizer, whether it be during enjoyable remakes of
Corea's "Got a Match," "Humpty Dumpty" and "City Gate/Rumble" or playing acoustic on "Autumn Leaves." Bassist Michael Rak sounds like a mixture between
John Patitucci and
Jaco Pastorius, while drummer Jon Krosnick is alert and pushes the other musicians. The remainder of the program includes five group originals and compositions by
Mike Stern,
Patitucci and
Jaco Pastorius. This creative fusion set successfully mixes together elements of other styles and has a lot of spirit and drive, quite a bit of subtlety, and a tasteful use of space, if not a lot of originality. ~ Scott Yanow