Government Cheese

For chronology's sake, Government Cheese was recorded a few weeks after Two Hours and a year before Kei's Secret and features yet another set of musicians. Samo Salamon therefore shows that he has real strengths in adapting to the people he surrounds himself with as well as a gift to write a fine melody on the fly. This time, the guitarist hired players who represent a fine cross-section of what the New York scene has best to offer. Saxophonist Dave Binney's incisive playing proves to be a good match for the guitarist who continues to elude easy categorization and can either deliver subtle delicate lines or rock-heavy riffs. On trombone, Josh Roseman alternately contrasts or blends with Binney and the two New Yorkers, in addition to Salamon, and constantly provide efficient and imaginative comping and commentaries. Bassist Mark Helias navigates the sometimes treacherous terrain with ease and Gerald Cleaver's varied rhythms and precise drumming prevent the proceedings from going astray. Besides, the memorable tunes are what makes this session stand out in the guitarist's output. Whether they are jaunty, twitchy, spasmodic, or angular they are always filled with an infectious and healthy energy. This session is highly recommended and might very well be Salamon's most successful effort to date. ~ Alain Drouot|