Porcupine - Porcupine (CD)

All Music Guide

Bill Cunliffe and Bernie Dresel, both award-winning musicians, formed a smooth jazz-oriented ensemble in the early '90s called Porcupine. But don't let their name keep you from getting too close because this is the kind of music that actually has the ability to turn smooth jazz skeptics into believers that you can have both great melodies and true jazz playing. This winning debut has music that's clearly defined, and the arrangements allow for each participating musician -- including saxman Gerald Albright, guitarists Ron Komie and Thom Rotella, and bassist Dave Carpenter -- to have solo time. The result is a balanced collaboration drawing upon Cunliffe's melodic strengths and Dresel's soulful sense of groove. "Streetbop" manages to sound both traditional and funky, opens with bassist Bob Parr backed by an insistent percussion groove, then moves to its lead piano melody. Albright then enters and adds a silky charm.

- Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide