A horn section spruces up the best cuts on the saxman's slick ensemble package which combines a sense of joyous camaraderie and light funk with just enough aggression to pull it out from the typical pop jazz pack. An insightful composer, Tomaro's true talent is realizing that a newcomer on an indie label needs a different approach in order to compete. So while the production is effective, it's very spontaneous, almost as if this were a live recording of a club date. The tunes are catchy, but there's room to dance around the grooves. Part of the magic comes from the leader's willingness to share the spotlight with a standout band whch includes guitarist Chuck Underwood and quaking bassist Scott Ambush. "Conspiracy Theory" is the perfect example, with Tomaro and Underwood trading solos, then speeding along in unison for a very fresh, improvisational perspective on a style too often the victim of the same old groove. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
T-Baggin'
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(5:11)
Home Again
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(4:44)
Tuff Guy
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(5:42)
Back in Your Arms
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(4:29)
Retro-Funk
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(4:13)
Secret Smiles
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(5:40)
Hopes & Dreams
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(4:42)
Suspicion
John Ozment, Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(:35)
Conspiracy Theory
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(5:35)
Broken Hearts
Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro
(5:02)
Credits
Ken Navarro (Executive Producer), Tom Williams (Trumpet), Craig Fraedrich (Trumpet), Scott Ambush (Bass), Scott Ambush (Producer), Steve Bloom (Percussion), Robert Green (Conga), John Ozment (Keyboards), Ray Tilkens (Associate Producer), Chuck Underwood (Guitar), Matt Niess (Trombone), Mike Tomaro (Saxophone), Mike Tomaro (Main Performer), Mike Tomaro (EWI), Mike Tomaro (Associate Producer), Mike Aubin (Drums), Don Sheehan (Trombone), Don New (Photography), Jim Roberts (Guitar)
