Working within a bebop framework, guitarist Letizia and his trio, Chris Berger, bass, and Ron Godale, drums, offer up a brisk, bluesy, sometimes funky, set of standards and originals. The first three numbers are Letizia compositions in which he pays tribute to mentors; the spirited “Firewalk,” written for George Benson, “Wes’ Dream” for Wes Montgomery, and “Dreamclipse,” for Pat Martino. Special guests on this release include vocalist Ki Aallen, baritonist Chris Karlic, and trumpeter Kenny Davis. Davis takes center stage on Dreamclipse. On “You Stepped Out of a Dream” baritonist Chris Karlic’s hard-edged tone provides an appealing contrast to Letizia’s cooler strumming. Karlic plays on “Firewalk” and on “Monk’s Dream,” where his is the third solo, following Berger and Letizia. Vocalist Aallen is heard on the final three numbers, “Weaver of Dreams,” “My Romance,” and “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home.” She has a rich, deep voice, again contrasting wonderfully with Letizia’s guitar lines, and she scats well too.
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