Victor Lewis - Eeeyyess! (1997)

Victor Lewis has proven himself to be a talented composer, in addition to being one of the most sought-after drummers. His complex, moody "Vulnerability" spotlights pianist Stephen Scott and tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake. "Un-til" utilizes a repeated but varied unison vamp by Blake and Stafford to back Scott's tasty runs. James Williams' "Alter Ego" is a warm ballad featuring bassist Ed Howard and trumpeter Terrell Stafford, although the electronic manipulation of Blake's soprano sax is distracting and unnecessary. Only the title track is a disappointment -- a tedious pop-Latin-funk theme that never quite gathers steam.