Search - Pete Mccann :: You Remind Me of Someone

Pete McCann may not have a major reputation yet, but he's definitely a major guitarist, an inventive, deliberate player whose solos are models of thought and construction. He leads a fine band here, with bassist John Hebert and drummer Mike Sarin providing empathic support and saxophonist Peter Epstein adding another animated solo voice on most of the tracks. On the more aggressive quartet tracks, like "Mr. Fritters" and "Ornery" (the last inspired by Ornette Coleman), McCann blends energy and control in a way that's reminiscent of John Abercrombie, while the long sustains and bends and country sonics of the title tune and "The Patriot" initially suggest Bill Frisell. Passing similarities aside, though, McCann plays with an abstract logic and a restrained lyricism that are definitely his own, and his acoustic playing is as deft as his electric. He takes a variety of approaches here, from the Latin touches added to Steve Swallow's "Falling Grace" to the wry flamenco flavor of "Inquisition," but they're unified by a concentrated sense of purpose. There's a feeling of closeness in the band, a continuing sense of dialogue with the leader's compositions and one another. --Stuart Broomer