New York-based guitarist Lou Volpe has an impressive resume of touring, performance and recording experience. He’s a lyrical player who knows how to lay down a groove that is fluid, precise and just as tricky as it needs to be. Eleven of the tracks are original, intelligent and thoughtful compositions. Volpe plays each with relaxed showmanship and enchanting dynamics. His emotional electricity establishes many moods from intimate (“Full Tilt”) and seductive (“Precious Jewel”) to smooth (“Travel Light”) and buoyant (“A to Z”).  “Perseguidor De Suernos (Dream Chaser)” has Brazilian charm and flair. His renditions of covers “Stella by Starlight” and “Summertime” impart creativity and rhythmic intensity that are remarkably powerful. Impressively virtuosic, Volpe seems to have an affinity for smooth jazz, but his interpretive twists demonstrate that he’s also comfortable with soul, blues, fusion, Latin and more contemporary sounds. It’s a very accessible style and perhaps could’ve even been further enhanced with some ethereal vocals or saxophone on a few selections. Masterful accompaniment is provided by Stanley Banks, Pete Falbo and Motoki Mihara (bass), Buddy Williams (drums), Gary Fritz, John Romagnoll and Richie Morales (percussion). They establish a foundation with funk grooves that Volpe then uses as a springboard for his guitar artistry and melodic fervor.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)