Violinist
Christian Howes has made some hit-and-miss records but with Out of the Blue, he's finally making greater strides forward. Alongside electric guitarist
Robben Ford and fellow Ohioan
Bobby Floyd on organ,
Howes is inspired to take more liberties with his repertoire while fully exploring the great talent he has always displayed. On funky originals, soul-jazz/blues, and progressive pieces by
Carla Bley and
Ornette Coleman,
Howe’s pungent and literate violin has never sounded fresher. Different arrangements of
Chick Corea's difficult "Fingerprints" and
Coleman's angular bop "When Will the Blues Leave" are high points on an album that sports many bright moments, and comes easily recommended as his best work yet. ~ Michael G. Nastos