Bringing together three of the most original and prolific acoustic instrumentalists working today, Phillips Grier & Flinner is like a bluegrass version of the Cream super-trio of the 1960s. Laced with astounding playing, memorable melodic construction and an all-too-rare sense of musical interplay, this CD breaks new ground with every 20-bit scrap of musical data decoded and restored to audio.

Each musician composed three tunes for the project, with the tunes presented in alternating order. Flinner's rhythmically powerful "Paint It Shut" opens the CD. Matt takes his usual crystalline solo, then hands things off to Grier who turns the tune's rhythmic structure on its ear, setting the stage for Phillips to lay down a jazzy bass solo at the end. Grier's "A Long Time Ago" revolves around a hanting melodic phrase that will stay with the listener a long time.

"Said and Done" gives Grier the opportunity to employ some of his more exotic guitar techniques, including his Wes Montgomery-influenced octave licks, to great benefit.

Perhaps what's I like best about "Phillips Grier & Flinner" is the attention each musician pays to bringing out the best elements of each other's compositions. Rather than just setting the stage for each player to roll out their best hot licks, each composition here emerges as a strong musical statement fleshed out with compelling arrangements and interesting ensemble playing.

Obviously, this CD will appeal to anyone familiar with the work of these three incandescent musicians. What's surprising is how their work together transcends our preconceptions of "hot licks" to create an album of elegant, emotional instrumental music.

Song list:

• Paint It Shut
• Getting There
• A Long Time Ago
• Gilberton Road
• Said and Done
• Car On Fire
• Meridian
• Dozing In The Sun Through The Window
• Told Ya

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