Count Me In

Description

Count Me In is a – mostly – instrumental solo album by the Colombian-born, US-based flutist and saxophonist Justo Almario of Koinonia fame, released on Integrity Music in 1995. The album was recorded by Dan Garcia and Bruce Miller at Hangtown Studio in Los Angeles and Bill Schnee Studios in North Hollywood, California; and at Sound On Sound in New York City; and was produced by Justo Almario (with track 6 co-produced by Alex Al and tracks 2, 5, 8, and 10 co-produced by Jimmy Tanaka). Mixed by Garcia at Hangtown Studio.

One…two…three…four! Best known for his work with Koinonia and the times he’s added class to the albums of others, Justo Almario’s own projects are always top notch and this is a veritable Rolls Royce of an album with Justo in fine form no matter what style he’s playing. What makes this a joy is the room he gives to the supporting players. The jazz workout of «In Your Dreams» features Phil Hamilton’s fluid guitar playing, the mellow «May The Words» has Jimmy Tanaka’s deft piano flourishes providing a backdrop for Almario’s tremendous tenor playing. Predominantly jazzy, there are a number of different influences that pop up to sustain fascination throughout. The classic Jessy Dixon song «You Bring The Sun Out» highlights the rich vocal of Donnie McClurkin and elsewhere R&B gospel star Helen Baylor is a featured singer. The title track finds Almario’s lyrical sax slipping over an urban dance rhythm. The album’s closer finds Justo playing flute over his own “voice percussion”, erm… a sort of jazzy Rolf Harris anybody? A couple of others worth checking out are the creatively twin fluted «For Barbara» and «Sabana», which features Russell Ferante’s blissful piano solos – a real highlight of the album. Overall, this leaps out of the speakers and just demands respect! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, June 1996]

CD tracklist:

01. In Your Dreams – 4:01
02. May The Words – 4:57
03. You Bring The Sun Out – 4:48
04. Count Me In – 4:56
05. Set Free – 4:39
06. There’s Another Way – 4:47
07. Ofrenda – 4:49
08. For Barbara – 4:40
09. Sabana – 3:40
10. A New Song – 4:37
11. Mouthpiece – 2:15