Venusian Commute

Album Review

Guitarist Alex Domschot's use of space, emphasis on slower mood pieces, and range of colors is at times reminiscent of Bill Frisell although in his own dryer voice. Bassist Marc Johnson is featured bowing throughout the lengthy opening atmospheric ballad "Sad Princess" and "Teachers." Drummer Vic Stevens is mostly in a very supportive role behind Johnson and Domschot, who takes turns in the spotlight. There are occasional departures (especially John Coltrane's "Some Other Blues" and "Coal Man," which is dedicated to Ornette Coleman), but most of the selections are taken at slow tempos or out-of-tempo altogether, with the emphasis on setting a mood rather than swinging. There are some dull stretches and one wishes there were more variation in moods, grooves, and styles, but certainly the musicianship cannot be faulted.