Where You Belong

Aftertouch is a surprisingly flexible group consisting of Danny Obadia on keyboards and synthesizers, guitarist Andy Abel, and Andy Korn on electronic percussion with guest appearances by bassist Ron Long, percussionist Fred Walcott, guitarist Mike Cirro and either Cliff Lyons, Dave Mann or Ken Gioffre on saxophones. Although the music is largely preplanned (certainly the rhythms are) and has a commercial sound to it, some chances are taken, particularly during the saxophone solos. Obadia's tunes are generally quite catchy, and the music is rarely simplistic, except for some of the electronic rhythms, particularly on "Visionism." It may sound funky and electronic, and will not excite acoustic jazz purists, but the performances are never predictable or obvious, which is quite a feat when one realizes that a lot of work went into the final results. Certainly it is no coincidence that each of the numbers (11 Obadia originals and "Stolen Moments"), other than the brief opener, clock in between 5:15 and 6:44. One comes away from this set impressed with the musicianship, the lively grooves and the balance that is struck between creativity and accessibility. ~ Scott Yanow