Style: fusion, Sound:****,Composition:****, Musicianship:****, Performance:****, TOTAL RATING: 16 (out of a maximum 16)

Greg Howard's impressive writing combines atmospheres and visceral drive, with a strong emphasis on melody. His guitaristic Stick work is very thoughtful, rarely flodding a tune with unnecessary runs or fills.

Howard's Stick, Jan van Olffen's elecric bass and Hubert Heeringa's violin make it clear this music is conceived in electricity, but a mutual respect for their instruments' acoustics gives the performances uncommon warmth.

Heeringa's violin is a glowing presence and his soprano sax double is a highlight of "Still Water," whose solo sequence is like stepping from rock to rock while crossing a stream, pausing at each one to reflect on its particular texture and color.

Louis Gerritts guests on several tunes, playing saxophones (with an attack remeniscent of Jan Garbarek), and wind-controlled synth. His solo on "The Offering" is a beautiful essay in noise, while Jan Wolfkamp's drum and percussion work has a massive sonic presence. As does the disc as a whole: the sound has a satisfying depth and detail, putting the finishing touch on a truly superb work.

--Larry Nai