Produced by Ted Cruz Trombonist Curtis Fowlkes gets down to the groove with his first studio recording titled, Catfish Corner-Reflect. A soul-jazz brew, Fowlkes sparkles as a bandleader, composer and soloist along with his equally adept and zealous supporting cast. Drummer J.T. Lewis, an integral member of Henry Threadgill's Very Very Circus (will someone please sign this man to a recording contract!) and one third of the excellent hard rock/jazz trio, "Harriet Tubman", is a perfect fit here. On "Treasure Chest", Lewis initiates a downright nasty, hell raising Latin-funk beat utilizing the bells of his ride cymbal, rimshots and just about anything else he can whack, as he steers the groovin' rhythms into submission. Here and throughout we get a taste of the 70's, enhanced by Ted Cruz' delightful sounding Fender Rhodes piano which rekindles memories of year's past. The last track, "Reflect" is an affable yet easily forgettable rap-spoken word composition yet the Motown style horn chart deserves high marks.... Although, Fowlkes and company offer nothing startlingly new, the music is cool, sleek, boisterous and happening! The band is tight and the compositions are strong - which adds up to a very pleasant and enjoyable listening experience and a nice contrast to all of the complexities found in every day life.......* * * � Personnel: Curtis Fowlkes; Trombone: Sam Furnace; Alto Sax: Russ Johnson; Trumpet: Ted Cruz; Keyboards: Carlos Henderson; Bass: Duncan Cleary; Guitar (tracks 6&9): Sheila Provost; Vocal, Spoken Word on �Reflect� Web: www.knittingfactory.com

Joshua Louis

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