Album: This Just In
Group: The Reese Project
Style: Blue-Jazz

     The new album by The Reese Project, “This Just In,” is Cool with a Capitol C and it’s definitely In with a capitol I. The gang gets you moving with Bluesman Bobby Brewer’s "On The Flip Side" followed by the smooth jazz "King Duncan’s Groove" by flutist Tom Reese, which puts you in the mood for percussionist Aaron Walker’s "Stella By Streetlight."  The Johnny Mercer tune, "I’m An Old Cow Hand" is a real pick-me-up which they handle with ease.  The mix of styles on "Almost Wednesday" will have you tapping your foot and guessing what’s next.  Brewer’s "Boorish Moors" is a perfect blend of Jazz & Blues.  Brewer’s Spanish-styled "Esta Solo En" is a nice change of pace.  Tom Reese’s unique use of Native American flute on "Blue Man" is genius.  Their tribute to T. Monk is Rabid -- in that it reaches out and bites you, making you want even more.  "Risie Patate" is a real beauty, blending Latin and Jamaican styles to get you off your seat and on your feet. They keep the beat going with a Jamaican/Celtic beat on "St. Anne’s Reel."  "Ijiki" evens out the mood and takes you away to places unknown.  Always end with a little funk, it helps keep the memories alive.

     All in all, the guitar work of Bobby Brewer goes beyond great to superb. Tom Reese, as always, keeps it in the Jazz frame, slipping in and out of the Blues here and there, as slippery as a greased eel.  Aaron Walker is par excellence on percussion, and with Kirk Reese tickling the ivories, how could you go wrong?  Meanwhile, Laurie Haines Reese really shines as she puts in all the color needed with her cello to make this album a real Sound Painting and a guaranteed hit.

     It sits at #1 on InnerVisions top 25 album picks for 2007.