Vibist extraordinaire Tim Collins goes full circle while following-up his widely heralded modern jazz and 2007 debut solo outing titled “Valcour.” Collins reaps the benefits of Charlie Hunter who performs solely on bass here. Ultimately, this is a very hip and highly listenable venture. Collins also uses bowed vibes, electravibes and other technological tools to spawn a variety of effects. But it’s all done rather tastefully as he maps out a nouveau path that at times encapsulates the brazenness of the New York downtown scene, while conveying some broader commercial appeal.

Collins turns his vibes into a distortion-laced electric guitar in spots while running through scorching jazz-based soloing escapades during various passages. Featuring guest strings and woodwinds artists, the program is often built upon climactic crescendos and drummer Simon Lott’s punchy backbeats. More importantly, Collins’ compositions present memorable attributes, whether they’re based on quirky hooks or sonorous choruses. Much of the album resonates beyond progressive jazz stylizations, where budding themes give way to ethereal, EFX-drenched movements. And you may want to hold onto your seats when Collins steers the proceedings into the red-zone.

On the piece titled “Joyride,” the band does indeed take you on a fast-paced sojourn, designed with feisty, jazz-rock motifs and the leader’s, spaced-out, fuzz-toned vibes performance. Sure enough, Collins has firmly implanted his deeply personalized style and enormous chops within a myriad of jazz-tinged genres. He’s certainly one to watch! – Glenn Astarita (eJazznews.com 2008)

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