Apparitions

Adam Rogers' third Criss Cross CD as a leader focuses exclusively on his challenging original works. Joining the guitarist are four superb musicians: tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, pianist Edward Simon, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Clarence Penn. The many twists within the opener, "Labyrinth," are finessed with ease by the group, while Rogers adds a bit of distortion to his instrument for the intense "Tyranny of Fixed Numbers." The extended workout of "The Maya" is built upon an ostinato bass pattern, with Rogers and Potter playing in unison until the piece opens up and the bassist's role is freed; then the leader works his magic with an inventive solo. "Apparitions" is truly a haunting melody as Rogers and Potter introduce the theme, with Penn gradually adding background percussion. The finale, "Moment in Time," is an intriguing low-key ballad, omitting the piano and tenor sax, while Colley (a veteran of guitarist Jim Hall's trio) responds to the stripped-down setting with some of his best work of the session. Highly recommended.