The British have a long history of putting the conventions of jazz-rock fusion to better use than their American counterparts do, and guitarist/composer Phil Miller is a case in point. Leading a sextet he calls In Cahoots, Miller offers a solid set of muscular, no-nonsense modern jazz that... [+] Expand

The British have a long history of putting the conventions of jazz-rock fusion to better use than their American counterparts do, and guitarist/composer Phil Miller is a case in point. Leading a sextet he calls In Cahoots, Miller offers a solid set of muscular, no-nonsense modern jazz that delivers plenty of intellectual interest without ever descending into navel-gazing solo wankery and without ever sacrificing its powerful groove. True, much of this stuff is most definitely music for musicians -- check out the long, complex "Black Cat," for example (taking note of Pete Lemer's sparkling keyboard work and Fred Baker's huge fretless bass tone), or the rhythmically and melodically sideways "Sleight of Hand." But toward the end of the program Miller and company suddenly become much more friendly and accessible, with the absolutely lovely and surprisingly straight-ahead Latin jazz of "Upside" (composed by Baker) and a gorgeous ballad by Miller entitled "Out There." Great stuff. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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