Vibraphonist Matthias Lupri has gained international attention because of his mastery of this percussion instrument, a rare one in the jazz idiom, but one that he induces to speak in a beautiful array of musical colors and textures. On Same Time Twice, the Berklee graduate teams up with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, saxophonist Mark Turner, acoustic bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, all excellent leaders in their own right. But despite the giant-sized talent of this ensemble, there are no conflicts of jazz interests here, just splendid complementing and soloing and audacious improvising. This highly listenable straight-ahead jazz collection boasts 11 brand new songs, all written by Lupri and packed with the significant vibrato and production concepts that he has gleaned over the years from such master vibists and educators as Gary Burton and Lionel Hampton. However, this stellar set is played in the ensemble's own voice, with a variation on the typical vibraphone sound, as Lupri runs through a pickup and guitar amp. Same Time Twice opens the program, and includes excellent simultaneous solos from Rosenwinkel and Hutchinson over the ending vamp. Throughout the song, they set a pattern of sound replicated by the group in amplitude and pitch, even though the group's improvisations are independent of each other. The group's approach to chromatic harmony gives the impression of exotic origins on the dulcet-titled Jade. Lupri's lyricism and modulations form its beautiful melody and sentimental tone, while Hutchinson and Rogers supply just the right tempo and emotion. You Just Never Know and After Hours are pensive ballads that are both provocative and soothing, and yet still entertain. Overall, Same Time Twice exceeds the expectations and satisfaction heard on Lupri's previous two releases, Window Up Window Down and Shadow of the Vibe, providing a continuum for Lupri's vibraphone and compositional values and creativity. ~ Paula Edelstein, Rovi

1		Same Time Twice
2		Song of Change
3		Jade
4		You Just Never Know
5		Saucey
6		Wish Song (Prelude)
7		The Wish Song
8		Cathy's Tune
9		After Hours
10		Release
11		After Hours

	Like us on Facebook
	@SoundHound	Follow