Bamboo Forest (feat. Dave Koz)

Fans of the Rippingtons' live performances might be a little miffed at the mellow demeanor of the first solo outing by the band's wildman percussion/soundscapist Steve Reid. But as Reid's liner notes hint, it's his intention to take a journey through the Bamboo Forest, and this is a place of romance, mystery and exotic images, no splashy thunderstorms. Despite expert use of at least a hundred world beat toys, Reid doesn't exactly push his pulse rate past mid range. Rather, he writes thoughtful, cool and fanciful tunes that sort of waft off the disc instead of jump. He often doubles effectively as a synthesist, aiming for mood and texture rather than percussive insanity. The real stars here are the flutes of fellow Ripps Jeff Kashiwa and Sheridon Stokes, tender acoustic guitars by David Patt and Pat Kelley, and provocative vocal jaunts by Bill Cantos and Kevyn Lettau. It's not as exciting a coming out party as might be expected from such a rhythm ace, but Reid's music is often as beautiful as the astounding cover art on this mystical disc.