Mark Holen - Stretching the Truth

It's been nearly 20 years between this CD and Holen's debut effort. In between, he's lived in Spain and Portugal before landing back in N.Y.C. and re-forming his group Zambomba. The ensemble is a distinctly modern jazz band with Spanish, South American, and Caribbean elements added. Holen's drum work is precise, driving, and melodic, while trumpeter Kurt Weiss and vibist Mike Freeman take the yeoman's share of frontman roles. Bassist John Loehrke and pianist David Durrah are excellent accompanists and soloists, breathing life into the support system of Holen's original compositions, which comprise this entire program. Read More