In the Moment

The collective trio Gateway has worked together on and off for three decades. They're sympathetically matched, with the five pieces on this album emerging from extended improvisations. The tonal range they embrace is dazzling, switching gears from oriental flavored propulsion (as on the opening title tune with its sitar-like tones and drones) to ethereal tone poems (such as the closing number, the aptly titled "Soft"). Jack DeJohnette's ability to work equally well as a percussionist/drummer and pianist (check out his own PIANO ALBUM) benefits the group, and they make full use of the further possibilities offered. DeJohnette's work on the Turkish frame drum is extremely skilled and inventive, adding a key element to compliment John Abercrombie's bent-note improvisations. — Rovi.