Search - Dennis Gonzalez :: A Matter Of Blood

Dennis Gonzalez's previous record for Furthermore received widespread critical acclaim. Brian Morton of The Penguin Guide to Jazz called Renegade Spirits "Gonzalez's most satisfying record fornearly 20 years" adding "Too soon to say whether this is an important record, but it has that aura about it."

It would be tempting to follow that up with something identical or at least in the same ballpark. But if you know Dennis, you know that's not how he operates.

A Matter Of Blood is as cool as Renegade Spirits was hot. When Dennis got back from the session, he called it "more-than-music." We could not come up with a more appropriate description of what unfolds.

The disc sees Gonzalez at his most plaintive and introspective. He is joined by the equally introspective Curtis Clark on piano, who consistently stuns with subtlety. Michael T.A. Thompson provides propulsion and powers the music, pushing and prod- ding the group to keep the music moving. The whole thing is grounded by legendary bassist Reggie Workman, whose ability to maintain a groove while keeping the listener guessing where he's going next never ceases to astonish.

We think something magical happened in the studio when this quartet made this "more-than-music" together. We hope you agree.