For those unaware, Circles In A Yellow Room came out of a particularly creative period in early 2019 resulting in a burst of compositions written by Mike Freeman and recorded later that year. Freeman’s liner notes describe some of his experiences during the long delay by the pandemic and how this production helped occupy his time.

Freeman’s compositions and vibraphone (along with marimba) are front and center throughout with strong solo statements from Jim Gailioreto and Gonzalez supported by intricately robust percussion from Guido Quintero and Joel Mateo.

Gailioreto’s tenor sax punctuates Valentine and Marble Race Rematch with bass clarinet played on Circles. Trumpet and flugelhorn alternate to fill the rest of the tracks with Gonzalez firing up the salsa-like El Cuarto Amarillo.

1. Valentine [6:35]
2. Funky Chai Cha [5:46]
3. Circles [4:50]
4. El Cuarto Amarillo [5:27]
5. Back Slap [6:11]
6. Midwinter Day [6:13]
7. Marble Race Rematch [6:29]
8. River Watch [5:16]
9. Wellspring [6:30]
10. The Trek [5:42]

Having created an original mambo and salsa inspired jazz rooted in Afro-Cuban clave, the new recording opens on the vibrantly-imbibed Valentine and the effervescent Funky Chai Cha and then bring forth the free flowing Circles, the cultured hipsway within El Cuarto Amarillo and the smooth Back Slap.

Along next is the more methodical fare of Midwinter Day which is itself backed by a beautiful smattering of Marble Race Rematch, an aching yearn that thrives within the ballad River Watch, rounding out on the upbeat and joyful Wellspring, coming to a close on the dutifully impassioned The Trek.

Musicians:
Mike Freeman Vibraphone, Marimba, Percussion: Triangle, Tamborine, Sleigh Bells, Flapper Toys, Owl Whistle, Kalimba, Hand Claps, Guido Gonzalez - Trumpet, Flugel Horn, Jim Gailloreto - Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet, Ruben Rodriguez - Electric Bass, Roberto Quintero - Congas, Bongos, Guiro, Maracas, Shakers, Joel Mateo - Drums

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