The lineup on this album is pretty intriguing. We have Alonso Arreola on percussive electro acoustic and electric basses. He’s not the only one playing bass, though. Michael Manring provides his mastery of fretless basses along with playing Caxixi Shaker. Trey Gunn plays an instrument we expect to hear him on (Warr Guitar) and one we don’t (baritone ukulele). Emmanuel Pina rounds out the quartet on oud.

The music here often has world music in the mix. Of course, the instrumentation choices should have told you that. It’s also rocking at times, with some King Crimson-like angles that Trey Gunn’s presence seemed to imply. Overall, this is dynamic and diverse instrumental music that definitely fits under the “art music” heading.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2025  Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2025.

This starts gradually and builds out with style. It has an acoustic arrangement, but also frantic King Crimson-like riffing. The track works through shifts and changes as it grows. There is a part mid-track that features some funky bass. There is other cool bass soloing along with it.

World music merges with a fast-paced arts music element. This is a real powerhouse that’s packed full of cool twists and turns.

More powerhouse world music jamming is on the menu here. I really love the instrumental interplay on this one so much. It wanders into weird, freeform territory later. This is actually one of my favorite pieces here.

More of that King Crimson-like jamming is on the menu here. The cut gets more rocking, but manages to have some mellower sections. This is electrified and so powerful

A mellower interlude type vibe is on hand here.

Funky bass, metallic guitar and prog sensibilities all merge on this powerhouse tune. Both the bass and guitar work on this is on fire. The track is a real screamer that fits with the rest, but intensifies the concept.

A much mellower cut, this features waves of ambient sound that move across slowly. It’s more atmospheric than anything else, but it does rise up a bit as it continues.

Frantic, loud and brash, this presents the perfect contrast to the song that preceded it. There are definitely King Crimson-like vibes at play here.

This cut is trippy and atmospheric, but it still has some bold instrumental changes and choices. It’s artsy and dramatic.

World music and other things merge on this instrumental piece. It has a good range of volume. 

Not a big change, this is another classy tune that has an intriguing vibe to it.      

This is another powerhouse tune. It has a lot of style and charm. It’s not a big change, but it’s a potent piece of music.