The Toronto Star

Saturday, October 9, 1999
World Music Reviews by Geoff Chapman

The Call

The T.O. based band always manages to sound as if it has absorbed world influences without sliding down the slippery path to nowhere (as in fusion), probably because percussionist Lazar is at the helm and his Police buddies are so versatile – reedman John Johnson, keysman Gord Sheard and violinist Hugh Marsh in particular. The core beat, courtesy of bass Collin Barrett and drummer Mark Kelso, is always uplifting as on samba-reggae “Dr Seuss”, the funky “4-Day Runner” and Cuban tribute “Mambo Squad”. American guest trumpeter Randy Brecker catches the spirit.