In the Hour of Shadows and Whispers

Phil Klein is one of those rock-solid composer/producers whose greatest contribution to his own project is laying down smart keyboard riffs in all sorts of rhythmic patterns in order to showcase the sharpness of his better known compatriots. So while Klein is the ringleader for the electro-charging-meets-seductive passion palette of In the Hour of Shadows and Whispers (Positive), the true stars of the collection are Tom Coster and Marc Russo. A funky tune like "Night Stalker" opens itself up to each of these masters' strengths, a silky soprano melody with a slight improv opportunity for Russo and a spacy, in-the-pocket keyboard solo for Coster. Klein allows Coster even more hypnotic leeway spraying the "Jungle Juice," but shows a more heartfelt side with the instrumental version of the title cut featuring Stef Burns' sweet acoustic charms. Unfortunately, Klein opts to complement this piece with a dreadful and dreary vocal counterpart which will do nothing except attract radio and divert everyone's ears from what is otherwise a highly eclectic, fun-filled affair.