(HighNote)

Flute master Dave Valentin leads a great lineup on this project and though his name is at the top of the recording, this is definitely a group effort. Pure Imagination has Valentin teaming with pianist Bill O’Connell, with whom he has worked for the past 30 years, to create another soaring virtuoso production. O’Connell not only arranged the music, but adds amazing pianissimo to the solos he provides on the tunes. The rhythm section of Ruben Rodriguez on bass, Richie Flores on percussion, Robby Ameen on drums, provides incredible contributions as well. Brilliant sound engineering on the recording allows the work of these great artists to come through spectacularly and Valentin is as amazing as ever on his axe.