Knowledge is sometimes a debilitating thing and it's hard to get over the circumstances outlined above until the music hits. The leader's opening notes on "Introduction" are both tentative and focused in a manner that comes only from knowing that he's in convivial musical company. Fonda's arco work is right in the mood even though this is a lot more than mere mood music. The two men are caught in a mutually reflective state of mind, but as the music gels it becomes clear why this group works so well. In thinking as one, all three players retain their musical identities in a fashion that's nothing short of extraordinary.

"Shiner At Rocky's" is, by contrast, an exercise in kinetic oppositeness. The leader is not a man for trotting out the clich��s of jazz guitar, and this one makes clear that his tone as much as any other element of his work is a mark of his individuality. This is something he has in common with