Animals

Frank Macchia has a strong record in soundtrack work, and that spilled over into his last album, Galapagos Suite. It's also quite evident here on Animals, where he attempts to paint aural pictures of albums. Yes, he uses a few exotic instruments — electric sitar represents the camel, for example — and there's some strong playing talent on hand, such as Billy Childs. But ultimately it falls somewhere between the jazz it's intended to be and inoffensive new age listening. There are humorous moments, such as the tuba that is the hippo, for example, and others of beauty, such as "Lone Wolf." But for the most part, valiant and heartfelt as it might be, there's little truly arresting about it.