eMotion

Album Review

Fans of pop-jazz supergroup Kilauea have been licking their lips over the long anticipated release of Greg Vail's opening solo statement E-Motion, and the charismatic multi-saxman does everything musically possible to fulfill their fantasies. Infusing the same type of frenetic energy and silky passion as in his live and recorded performances with the band, Vail keeps his ideas melodically simple while venturing into enough edgy impovisational territory that will keep obvious comparisons at bay. While punchy gems like the title track will have ears salivating coast to coast, and the Smokey Robinson cover "Just To See Her" finds a safe familiarity, the real standouts are the smoking blues-brass gun "Ben-Jamin" and the swaying orchestral centerpiece "In The Beginning." These two spin all emotions into unexpected directions. Peter White and Carl Verheyen add some impressive stringwork, helping Vailestablish his own voice on what could have been just another impressive pop jam session.