Paths Unknown marks an all new high for Vector Trio, both in terms of performance and the quality of the recording. As a group, the Trio continue to grow, with a distinctive, focused sound, subtle rhythmic intricacies and mysterious, original textures, a careful balance between formal cohesion and free improvisation that excites the mind and marks them out from the current jazz-fusion crowd. Production-wise, this is the first CD to really do their performances justice--the trumpet is as sweet as ever, but there is a new-found explosive openness to the drums and a fullness to the bass that really allows the musicianship to shine. With the mix often balanced towards the drums and percussion, the impression bares some relationship to Miles' Nefertiti. For anyone interested in this group, or jazz in general, this is the CD to get, a recording unreservedly deserving of wider distribution.
Tom Clay, musician and director of the award-winning feature film "The Great Ecstacy of Robert Carmichael" (www.robertcarmichael.co.uk)