With seven tracks of original music written, arranged and produced by Peter Xifaras (guitar, keys), the 31-minute Fusion reinforces Xifaras’ creds as a premier and forward-looking fusion innovator. A very appealing of creativity, this album is just as much about impressive contributions of the leader’s collaborators - Shunzo Ohno (trumpet), Xander Nichting (violin), Max Gerl (bass) and Scott Jackson (drums, percussion). I’m not sure if they also scored the pieces, but “Wild and Free” and “While My Guitar Weeps for Mehdi Rajabian” feature the ensemble backed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. The project’s overall groove is crackling, captivating, compelling and trendy with its contemporary vibe.  Other standout tracks include Chaos, Shunzo, and Till We Meet Again. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)