When is smooth jazz NOT smooth jazz? Well, Ben Varian (drums, keyboards, etc) and Sarah Safie (sax, etc.) kick out one sly piece after another that is much more Vince Guaraldi than Kenny G. The overdubbed interplay is impressive, and the bubbly sense of fun never abates.

Ben Varian and Sarah Safie a breath on god's feather (self-released)

By and large, these are short pieces as well. They wouldn't offend people riding in an elevator, but they're also intricately-crafted pieces that always have more to say than it seems on first listen. More exploratory than ruminative, these pieces prick the ears and steadily set their hooks.

And, yeah, they find a groove or three. Safie and Varian don't seem interested in doing anything by the book, no matter how incessantly accessible their pieces might be. Most importantly, they're not afraid to be goofy.

While the album title screams pretentiousness, this set is anything but. Perfect for a chill down or a pick-me-up. The fun never stops. Good times abound.

Jon Worley