Burning The Bed: Live At The Tonic DVD

“Deep, spiritual, strong, powerful, well captured, like wow! Starting out slowly yet intensely, building, Trane-like cosmic, spirit jazz connection. The two camera shoot captures the entire quartet superbly. Hard to believe how quickly the intensity increases and erupts…great to see and hear the rest of the band so clearly. Muñoz inspires Paul Shaffer to play in a more McCoy Tyner-like way, casting wave upon wave at the piano. Mr. Shaffer takes a beautiful, spirit-filled solo with the able support of Don Pate's bass and Ra Kalam Bob Moses’ distinctive drums. It seems hard to believe at times that Mr. Muñoz is actually playing those furious, dizzying lines but we can watch as he pulls off those superhuman licks. Midway, he slows way down and rubs the strings in a most unusual way. The three original songs here have enchanting, oddly lyrical themes which sound somewhat familiar. The first long piece, "Ode to the Mother" is dedicated to Muñoz's mother, who was there that night and has since passed away. The second piece is called "Fatherhood" and it is another powerful excursion with waves of cascading lines by the entire quartet together. The interplay between Muñoz and Ra Kalam is especially amazing since they sound locked into the same storm-like force. The sight and sound of this set will astonish those who have never witnessed the unique presence / power of this quartet. Utterly jaw-dropping. It doesn't get any better than this so enjoy it while it lasts. It does seem sad that Tonic, where this took place, has been closed for more than a decade now. This DVD makes a perfect souvenir from the special place and time.” Bruce Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery