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we have in this recording is a true representation of jazz in 2011, performed at the highest level. Robi Botos is undoubtedly one of Canadas most beloved and respected musicians. Robi is a musician that represents todays global village, being well versed in not only jazz, but hip-hop, funk, R&B, classical, as well as the music of his Roma heritage. Being sideman extraordinaire for artists as versatile and respected as Roberta Gambarini, Chaka Khan, James Blood Ulmer and Joey DeFrancesco, among many others, one can understand why it took such a relatively long time for him to record his first record under his own name, though that is not as important as the breath of fresh air it will give all whose ears (and hearts) are open. Made with Robis regular trio of Atilla Darvas on bass and Robis brother Frank Botos on drums, it represents the global vision of todays modern jazz musician, with one foot rooted firmly in the tradition, and one foot leaping forward towards the future. Whether Robi is interpreting the music of master composers, such as Cole Porter and Wayne Shorter, or displaying his broad and first-rate composing skills, it is a recording that takes a melting pot of influence and churns out a unified modern jazz vision. As each selection unfolds, the deep sensitivity these men have for each others artistic vision reveals itself in its own sweet way. It is fitting that Robi introduces his take on life itself with Life Goes On, an example of modern jazz at its most pensive and melodic. With no one musician needing to express themselves with too many notes, and a quiet intensity that burns throughout the piece, Life Goes On is a splendid first impression. A re-interpretation of Wayne Shorters classic Footprints continues the cosmic ballet. Robis beautiful touch at the piano on this song calls to mind fellow Hungarian pianist, Keith Jarrett. The intro to Be Bach hears Robi pulling ideas from music as disparate as 18th century German Baroque and 20th century American bebop, with notes from both mindsets lingering in the air together, acting as a metaphor for the universality of Robis approach. All members of the trio get a chance to shine on this track. Emmanuel, a tribute to Robis hero, Oscar Emmanuel Peterson, is an immediate highlight. Composed as a gift for Oscar Petersons family, the songs alluring sincerity is stunning in its elegance. That Robi is able to present his take on humanity in a form as magnificent as a musical tribute to the great Dr. Peterson is truly a gift to us all. Gears are changed significantly on Place To Place, an energetic display of the global jazz fusion influence of groups such as Weather Report. With this tune, the bar has been raised for anyone attempting to play fusion in 2011. The trio is out for blood on Smedleys Attack, approaching this battle of upbeat swing with a reckless abandon while never losing their grip on refinement. Higher energy jazz likely does not exist in 2011.

 Speaking of swing, Tagged swings like a mad dog! With Frank Botos whimsical brushes and Atilla Darvas sensible bass lines, Robi has the perfect vehicle to execute complete mastery of the jazz idiom. Gears are changed once again for the old battle-horse ballad You Dont Know What Love Is. Despite its being played by every jazz musician worth his salt since its 1941 origin, Robi is very sensitive so as not to overplay. Maturity like this is very rarely seen in someone still in his early 30s. Inside Out is a kid-in-a-candy-store demonstration of the endless possibilities that occur when a genius is let loose in a recording studio. Homeland > First Love is a dramatic reflection on the plight of Robis Romani brothers and sisters. These are some of the most misunderstood and mistreated of all minorities in the world, the pain of which is a constant reminder to Robi and all fair-minded people. The trio take Cole Porters What Is This Thing Called Love to burnout proportions, shredding through the changes like its nobodys business, and ending with a bang, before calmly fading back into a jam out of What Is This Thing Called Love, simply called The Outro, which ends this record in style. This record will likely go down as one of the most mature debuts in Canadian jazz history and because of that, one can hope that Robi will start to record his gifts more frequently. No matter what happens, life goes on, as they say. -Jesse Markowitz