January/February 2009

John Stein
Encounterpoint
Whaling City Sound

By Bill Milkowski

Accomplished Boston guitarist John Stein convenes an international crew for this engaging quartet offering. The presence of Brazilian drummer Zé Eduardo Nazario ensures an authentic feel on “Só Danço Samba,” on Jobim’s “Dindi,” done as an intimate duet with Stein, and even on a bossa-nova rendition of Duke Jordan’s “Jordu.” Japanese pianist Koichi Sato offers swinging accompaniment and facile lines on Fender Rhodes and organ while bassist John Lockwood holds it all down in typically grooving fashion.