3 BRAVE SOULS
[BFM Jazz]

L.A. keyboard monster John Beasley, whose credits run from Miles Davis to ABC’s Duets, teams with fellow feel freaks Darryl Jones and drummer Ndugu Chancler (plus some vocal and horn guests) for a true groove gem. Jones grabs the melody on the Stuff-ish 12/8 ballad, “Come and Gone,” takes a pocketed solo amid the Miles murk of “Ayala,” and deftly handles both roles on his own simmering tune “Ubiquitous.” Coolest of all are Darryl’s Sly Stone-pitched vocals and bouncing bass on “Stay,” his inventive, uplifting nod to Sly’s “If You Want Me to Stay.” In short, style and substance in droves.