... LP, Vinyl record album

... CD

One of the most soulful sessions we've ever heard from reedman Chico Freeman – a session that's still mostly jazz, but which also brings in a host of other styles as well! The "project" in the title is well placed – as Chico's getting help from a lot of other guests on the record – keyboardist Misha Tsiganov, guitarist Bill White, vibist Alexi Tsiganov, percussionist Nikos Kiourktsis, and bassist Orlando Marin – plus singers Jennifer Hamady and Athina Kostavara, who add a surprising vocal element to the set. Not all tracks have vocals, but their presence seems to bring in a smoother side overall – and Chico even sings a bit himself on one number. Titles include "Lift Me Up", "Tzivaeri", "Cartagena", "Part Of Me", "Miss You Like Smoking", "India Blue", and "Didn't Even Know You". CD