Known Unknown (2004) Before Reid gave rock guitar a face-lift in Living Colour, he made arty noise in electric-jazz projects like the Decoding Society. He's after that jazz… Vernon Reid & Masque
EW's GRADE
B-

Details Release Date: May 04, 2004; Lead Performance: Vernon Reid & Masque

Before Reid gave rock guitar a face-lift in Living Colour, he made arty noise in electric-jazz projects like the Decoding Society. He's after that jazz edge again here. After a couple of generic party numbers, brainier fun begins as Reid supercharges standards like Monk's ''Brilliant Corners'' with a plugged-in, rockish intensity that skillfully traverses the fusion map. Uneven, but creatively potent.

Originally posted May 21, 2004 Published in issue #766 May 21, 2004 Order article reprints