Dom Minasi’s work as a fervent creative improvising guitarist is well documented, but this recording alongside fellow plectrist Jon Hemmersam is surprising on many levels, especially the acoustic six- and 12-string aspect. With the solid bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Kresten Osgood, the principals show a symmetry and simpatico empathy that belies their quite different styles and personal sounds. While adopting mainstream jazz elements, their concept is harnessed and focused in a manner that expresses a unique point of view far beyond dueling guitarists of the ego driven rock-flavored fusion movement. For this aspect alone, Minasi and Hemmersam are champions and should be commended. There are two pensive waltzes, most particularly the sweet “Inside Out” replete with Filiano’s singing bowed bass. Several ballads are included, the highlight being “September,” featuring 12-string and Spanish guitars in a mode reminiscent of John McLaughlin’s past acoustic impressions of Bill Evans. Of the electric extroverted music you’ve come to expect from Minasi, there’s the frantic hard bop inspired “Sprint” with busy as buzzing bees string work, and Osgood’s Ringo Starr-like drum solo, A diffuse “Conclusions” ranging from easy swing to underlying kineticism, while an expected free improv is used on a self-explanatory “Sound Check.” Even a little Brazilian music creeps in on the end tracks during the slight bossa heartstrings puller “Gentle” and samba infused “Latina Mio.” Minasi is clearly the frontman, as he leads the melody line on five tracks, with Hemmersam up front on three. The theoretically “inside out” approach really works well on this attractive, accessible, and very listenable CD that deserves a wider audience. It could also, for fans of Minasi, provide a revelation, or at the least show another facet to this great guitarist. There should by now be no surprise as to how good he is. – Michael G. Nastos
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