Rubisa Patrol

by Michael G. NastosThis recording, with the short lived ensemble Rubisa Patrol, may someday be considered as one of the classic ECM recordings of all time - if the company evers sees fit to issue it on CD. Some stunning compositions are present within a restrained, melodic concept, but please don't term it new age. While there is a spiritual quality present, it is not overbearing. Four of the pieces are written by acoustic pianist Art Lande, with the standout track "Corinthian Melodies" a thing of sheer opulent beauty. Trumpeter Mark Isham and Lande are the principal voices in this quartet, and the textures they conjure would set a precedent for what Isham would do for the bulk of his career in scoring for films. Bassist Bill Douglass and drummer Glenn Cronkhite are as sensitive a lower dynamic rhyhmic team as can be. This is contemporary improvised music non pariel, a relaxed, well-paced program that is here to soothe and reassure you.