Antonio Sanchez: New Life

As the rhythmic drumming powerhouse behind guitarist Pat Metheny for the past decade, Antonio Sanchez has built a reputation as a percussionist with an almost superhuman technique who can send jaws dropping to the floor with his soloing. But the Mexican's third album as leader reveals a more thoughtful side. There is still enough pyrotechnics to burn down the average house, but the former classical pianist's tunes are far more than just excuses to display his chops, and the group he has assembled to play them features some of the most expressive, forward-thinking musicians on the New York scene, including saxophonists Donny McCaslin and Dave Binney, pianist John Escreet and bassist Matt Brewer. Those hoping for a cameo from Sanchez's regular employer
will have to make do with Metheny's fulsome liner note. antoniosanchez.net