718

So, does the name of the band signify something besides a New York area code? There is definitely a NY State of mind within the trio of Phil Palombi/eb, Eric Halvorson/dr and Matthew Fries/Rhodes. These three gents create an electric groove trio that mixes the best of 70s funk with 21st century jamming. A galactic electronic opening slides into a hip groove and bass lick on the title track, setting the pace for the session. Slinky blues pieces such as “Temple with Chair” are explorative but not self indulgent and it includes some impressive stick work by Halvorson, while strutting soul is stewed up on “Song for my Daughter.” A toe tapping tribute to Ramsey Lewis is felt on “Lewis’ Crowd” and a take of George Harrison’s “Something” includes some clever gear shifting as well as electronic effects. Viscerally attractive, but with enough thought involved to make your grey matter appreciate the album as well. - Jazz Weekly

21. (718) – Sputnik
The group’s name comes from its phone area code, and the album title honors a 1950s spacecraft. But the music here is rock-oriented funk jazz in the spirit of the best 1970s fusion bands. - Oxford University Press