by Ken Micallef for Downbeat Magazine (March 2008)

"Drummer, keyboardist and vibraphonist Tim Collins' debut as a leader benefits greatly from his own playing, as well as that of trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and drummer Simon Lott. But far from a reason to simply blow chops, Valcour is an adventure in thoughtful, probing composition, excellent interaction, and the meaning of "group dynamic.

Collins' vibraphone style, which is pleasant, mature and full bodied, is nonetheless the least important thing on his agenda. His sextet plays with a rare degree of empathy in songs that run the gamut stylistically, but with a successful focus on cohesive teamwork, that is nothing less than exemplary.

The album begins with a flash of blinding light in "Buzzy John's Blues", followed by an ethereal E.S.P.ish "Twentysomething" and a tumultuous reworking of the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic".

Valcour puts one in mind of those old Pablo LP sessions with Milt Jackson and Mickey Roker: No one seems to be in a hurry to get anywhere fast, they are having too much of a ball just taking the ride."

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