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, Howes 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
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