Something Else Reviews: Review by S. Victor Aaron
“The Hero Trio finds ways to liven up old and familiar songs outside the realm of jazz, too. Rudresh Mahanthappa covers all the harmonic touch points of Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed” so that there’s no mistaken what song this is, but judiciously avoids adding unnecessary notes that would clutter it up. Mahanthappa exploits the phrasing irregularities in the Johnny Cash hit “Ring of Fire” as a springboard for freedom. Plus, it’s a great melody, a common trait of all of the songs chosen for this album.”