Dear Jazz Fans,

A few weeks back I've been exploring the wonderful music of the Mark Dini Group. The CD is called Imagine That. This Homeboy from Houston can not only play the snot out of his guitar, he can also write great tunes.

The CD contains a mix of varied styles and feels that deliver on every level. I was very impressed with the title cut. It's a great melody and a slick production. The guitar playing is tasty and infectious. You keep playing it!

There are also tunes that display Dini's wide range of influences. I like the fact he mixes things up and doesn't just play it safe. He rocks out on some tunes with some screaming, fire in the belly solos, that you would never hear played on commercial radio. I love the way this guy plays guitar and that he didn't just go the commercial route on his CD. The tunes that do have more commercial appeal are all very good and sound fresh. Nothing here sounds chumpy and without life.

Mark is in good company with Gary Norian, Skip Nallia and David Caceres. The Skipper plays the B3 organ like a man possessed. He reminded me at times of Jay Oliver on the Weckl CDs.

Dini also plays some more straight ahead jazz grooves in "Two as One in Six Eight". All his original compositions are interesting and well - constructed. The last tune, "The Boog",is a combo plate of feels with a killer ending at warp speed. Great work!! If you like electric guitar like I do, you should buy "Imagine That". You won't be disappointed.

Waterjet

The Waterjet Chronicles