When talented musicians get together, wonderful things happen. Especially in the improvisatory arena called jazz, players can feed off each other's ideas and collectively create something far beyond their individual abilities.

Greg Howard's latest release LIFT is an excellent example of that. Actually, it's the Greg Howard Band, with Hubert Heeringa (sax, violin, synth), Louis Gerrits (guest on sax and synth), Jan van Olffen (bass), Jan Wolfkamp (drums) and Greg Howard (Chapman Stick and synth). The distinction is important. Each of these artists brings a wealth of diverse experiences and cultures to the mix. Each plays an equal role in the creation of the music.

The bulk of the Greg Howard Band hails from The Netherlands, a country rich in musical diversity. In addition to actively supporting jazz and classical music, Holland also maintains a renowned world music institute. All of these influences can be heard on LIFT.

Five group improvisations gleefully mix Middle Eastern vocals, electronic instruments and very sophisticated jazz licks into musical melanges as distinctive in sound as they are difficult to describe (check out especially "Albatross" and "Nord").

Fans of local favorite Greg Howard will savor LIFT, the latest document of Howard's growth as a multi-talented artist. Howard the composer contributes four new compositions documenting his continuing development as a writer ("Dissent," "Cross Country," "The Offering," "Experimental Sunrise"). Howard the performer (along with the band) offers two new thoughts on previously recorded selections ("Still Water," "Blues for Ayman"), taking these tunes to a higher level of musicality. Howard the producer turns in a pristene release - every note perfectly shaped, every line clean, every ensemble mix seamless.

If you atteneded the Greg Howard Band's recent performance in Charlottesville, then you've already experienced this wonderful music. If you haven't, now's your chance to make amends. Pick up LIFT and lift your spirits.

-Radiostar