Maze

by David Kikoski Quartet, Dave Kikoski

Overview

The Maze is David Kikoski's first quartet date and also his first all-original date. The lineup is promising, to say the least: Seamus Blake on tenor sax, Scott Colley on bass, and Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums. Unfortunately, the playing is solid but surprisingly restrained. And Kikoski's writing this time around is not as impressive. His intentions, however, are somewhat grandiose: The six tracks that comprise The Maze are thematically linked as a suite with autobiographical overtones, each piece addressing a different aspect of personal and emotional change. The concept seems to have overwhelmed the music to some degree. The album does pick up steam about halfway through, peaking with "Disentanglement." But overall, The Maze is not as thrilling as Kikoski's previous outings. His first wholly original program may have caused him to err on the side of caution. ~ David R. Adler

Product Details

Release Date:	08/24/1999
Label:	Criss Cross
UPC:	8712474116829
Rank:	154014

Tracks

1. Revival
2. Puddles of Memory
3. Strength for Change
4. Disentaglement
5. Shame
6. The Maze

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Dave Kikoski   Primary Artist,Piano
David Kikoski Quartet   Primary Artist
Jeff "Tain" Watts   Guest Artist,Drums
Scott Colley   Guest Artist,Bass
Seamus Blake   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)

Technical Credits

Gerry Teekens   Producer,Cover Design
Dave Kikoski   Composer
H. Bloemendaal   Cover Design
Zan Stewart   Liner Notes
Gildas Bocle   Photography
Max Bolleman   Engineer
K. Hasselpflug   Executive Producer