by Daniel GioffreTwo years after releasing the original Spiritalk, Kevin Eubanks reunites the same group of musicians for another collection of organic fusion compositions. Drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, regardless of what one might think of him in general, simply smokes in situations like this. He is absolutely unchained, playing with the energy (and seemingly the limbs) of two or more men. Smith and Eubanks interact like McLaughlin and Cobham, or Morse and Morgenstein. Some of the most exciting moments on Spiritalk 2 are those in which their high-octane improvisations threaten to run out of control. The unusual sonorities created by this band are due in large part to the trombone of Robin Eubanks and the alto flute of Kent Jordan. It is a pleasingly warm sound, which fits in well with the masterful bass of Dave Holland and contrasts nicely with Smith's explosive power and Kevin Eubanks' snaky lines. It is a wonderful fusion. The leader is j...