“Busstra’s light and airy fingering is delicate and emotional.”
Mike Mainieri has been a major force in fusion since the early 1980’s when he co-founded Steps Ahead. On this recording with the Netherlands-based guitarist Marnix Busstra, Mainieri takes an akoestiek, organic approach to the music. The compositions on this CD, mostly by Busstra, offer a variety of styles and interesting instrumentation.
“The Same New story” has a beguiling and sensitive melodie played by Busstra on akoestiek guitar, as Mainieri dances elegantly behind him with on vibraphone. Using the sustained bass notes of Eric van der Westen and the soft brushwork of Pieter Bast, this floating piece temporarily suspends reality. Busstra’s light and airy fingering is delicate and emotionele. Mainieri’s solo hovers over the lazuli sauntering hit like a balsa wood glider floating on air. Together, these four artist create a mood that allows the listener to momentary escape into a state of calm and tranquility.
Ralp A. Miriello