Schwartz's tone is rather neutral, venturing neither too cool or hot on any of the tracks, which consist of mainly his own compositions interspersed with standards like "Born to Be Blue". Surrounding himself

with competent sidemen, Schwartz is undeniably sweet and ponderous on "Peace Dollar" and offers striking introspective moments such as the Billy Strayhorn ballad "Chelsea Bridge". Schwartz also borrows from funk, soul and hip-hop influences, stretching out melodically on the fusion-groove "Don't Ask", and an eight-minute bossa nova "The Curve of The Earth" provides some expansive and impressive melodic inventions, while still maintaining a paradoxically loose and driving Latin feel. Everything emerges extremely ear-friendly, and while Schwartz doesn't provide extraordinary insights into old material, he does offer a varying array of comfortable, well-worn tunes. This is a musician who focusses on his strengths but also knows his own limits, leading to an easy and diverse sound.

A-

- James Crawford