As implied by the name, Lunaticworks is a label primarily known (so far) for eccentric electronica, and the first self-titled release by Cordovan in 2004 was definitely on that tip, a twisted blend of jazzy downtempo and electronic tunes that garnered a fair amount of critical praise and attention. Thus, it's a nice surprise to see the label launch a jazz imprint with this more focused, if still slightly skewed, sophomore effort from Cordovan's mastermind Greg Reeves. Greg still handles most of the chores, including production and all the composing except Gil Evan's "La Nevada," but his backline and programming talents are augmented by Cindy Bradley's sweet trumpet and trombone on the title track, "Gwen," and "Pretend Gems," and Charles Burns' saxes and flute on "Mesa," "Trouble," and "Equator."
Labelmate James Hardway checks in with Moog and theremin on "Highway 10 Blues" and "Trouble" while Michael Israel, Eric Stock and Victor Indrizzo spilt time on the drums. Last but not least, Jim Peterson adds sax and flute and Kurt Stevenson layers nylon string guitar to "La Nevada." That one ("not invented here") nod to days gone by (there are also echoes of Miles in Cindy Bradley's work on "Mesa") does not in any way detract from the 21st century sound of this project. As with the first Cordovan release, there's a synthesis of styles here that reflect the cross-pollination that's the hallmark of music in the digital age. Yes, this is a clearly a jazz album, and should find a home on playlists alongside modal and hard bop classics from forty and fifty years ago, but it's also funky enough to slide into nu jazz, chill and downtempo sets as well - think MMW without the side trips.
Like the wide range of Southern California turf through which its namesake I-10 makes its way towards the Pacific, there's much to be experienced here - just make sure to fill the tank and check your pressure before you're too far down the road.
