'Zen Food' is a fresh statement of purpose by guitarist Kevin Eubanks who in his early career performed with McCoy Tyner, Art Blakey and Dave Holland and recorded for Elektra, GRP and Blue Note. Joining him is powerful drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, saxophonist and ex-Jazz Messenger Bill Pierce, keyboardist Gerry Etkins and bassist Rene Camacho. Now available on double 180 gram vinyl. <p>For many years Eubanks operated as musical director of NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on U.S. TV but in 2010 he left this prestigious position to record this superb album, his first CD for the Mack Avenue label. The music ranges from the stage setting opener, "The Dancing Sea", through "Spider Monkey Caf" with its high energy and mid tempo aspects, to the more lyrical acoustic moments of "Adoration" and "Offering".</p> <p>"(4 stars) Exudes luxuriousness, invention and a patient expansiveness that could only come from an inspired, mature artist...there's groove and lyricism." - MOJO</p>
