(Musikoz)

Saxophonist Javier Vercher blends the sound of the avant-garde with the more traditional fair for a thoroughly enticing recording. Wishing You Were Here is a compelling document of the compositional and playing talents of the Brookyln-based Vercher, who wrote all but one of tunes on the production. Additionally, the grade-A musicianship of guitarist Lionel Loueke (who contributes vocal accompaniment and one of the tunes), bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Francisco Mela and keyboardist Sam Yahel really complement Vercher’s rich warm tone and ethereal sonic forays. An outstanding musical venture .