The Absolute Sound
...Redman expands his embrace of acoustic-electric fusion and tightens his grip on the groove. Swelling organ parts, atmospheric electric piano entwined with ruminative guitars, and smartly incorporated samples, programming, and electronic treatments never overwhelm Redman's absorbing, sometimes Sonny Rollins-like exertion of melodic priorities. The evenly balanced mix boasts sharply defined highs, beefy drums and basses, warm mids, and rounded edges all while pushing the leader's tenor and soprano saxophones to fore during solos. As the repertoire indicates (originals side-by-side with songs by Sheryl Crow, Led Zeppelin, and Ornette Coleman), the Elastic Band was built for serious fun.
