Michael Marcus

Cuban master conguero Carlos Patato Valdes, drummer Nasheet Waits, and organist Rahn Burton join multi-reedman Michael Marcus on his fifth CD entitled Sunwheels. With his preferred "straight" horns -- straight tenor, stritch, and saxello -- Marcus is pious on his Trane-like tribute "Eternal All" and is blazing on "Pinball," his tip-of-the-hat to alto masters Eric Dolphy and Charlie Parker. He plays like a man possessed with the spirit of Rahsaan Roland Kirk on "Psychic Circles," blowing both horns simultaneously with passion and deep-seated sax utterances. The highlight of Sunwheels is his duet with Valdes on "Moonvoices." This short duet bares Marcus' appreciation for communication with others through extrasensory perception and cosmic powers. Its rhythmic modulations and Valdes' conga playing are natural and direct. Sunwheels can be defined as one of Marcus' most accomplished undertakings in that it adheres to the high standards of previous efforts that were set with great horn playing, brilliant arrangements, and compositional integrity. ~ Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide