Truly innovative, full of contemporary jazz is the new CD Underground by British jazz musician Courtney Pine (soprano / tenor sax / bass clarinet / flute). The great thing is that he pairs top young jazz musicians like Cyrus Chestnut ((electric) piano / organ), Mark Whitfield (guitar), Nicolas Payton (trumpet), Reginald Veal (bass) and Jeff 'Tain' Watts (drums) with DJ Pogo ( who brings his unique
… sound through turntables) and Jhelisa (vocals). And of course Pine's game itself is also unique! This new CD can best be described as 'sound of the street' in a modern mix of jazz and hip-hop with retro-funk elements. Songs that stand out on Underground are Modern Day Jazz (with a dazzling solo from Whitfield), Tryin 'Times (a composition by Donny Hathaway; vocals by Jhelisa), Oneness Of Mind and the title track. (JW)more