Following his own muse, versatile saxophonist Matt DeMerritt has the experience and chops to present his contemporary material with vibrancy and aplomb. Opening with world music influences (“Wellspring”), he also takes us into the realm of post-bop and modern creative improvisation on compositions like “Elixir,” “Limbo” and “Lunedi.” An earthy “Loner’s Waltz” is imparted with harmonies that give the musical setting a dreamy, spiritual quality. Based in Los Angeles, DeMerritt lined up about a dozen first-rate session players for this project. Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “A House is Not a Home” is presented passionately with DeMerritt’s classy saxophone and Sam Barsh’s brilliant piano providing sophisticated musical conversations. Arrangements of Hermeto Pascoal’s “Montreux” and Joe Henderson’s “Earth” provide dynamic guitar work by Fabiano Nascimento and Josh Lopez, respectively. After 25 years as a sideman (and credits on 75 albums), Matt DeMerritt’s album showcases not only his substantial talent, but also his ability to be equally at home with an eclectic variety of tasty material. While this album was inspired by the mythological archetype of a fool on a journey of self-discovery, DeMerritt’s album also conveys personality traits of courageous hero, risk-taking explorer, and imaginative creator.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)