Even though this is their twenty-fifth disc, this one sounds as fresh and new as the very first one. It is a grand mixture of a lot of styles from several talented members of the band as well as guest Chuck Loeb. It was also the last disc recorded in Jay Beckenstein’s home studio known as Bear Tracks Studio.

Wrapped in a Dream leads off with a funky little number by guitarist Julio Fernandez called “Spyro Time.” There are some great riffs by both Fernandez and Beckenstein that are both catchy and memorable. The song refers to the band’s habit of gathering a few minutes before their designated meeting time. Fernandez’s Cuban influences are clearly evident throughout. “Midnight Thunder” is a Chuck Loeb-penned song that is laid-back and prominently features Beckenstein on tenor. “The Voodooyoodoo” is bassist Scott Ambush’s contribution which is heavily lined with the trumpet of Nathan Ekland. He and Jay go back and forth as his tenor shines towards the end. “Tuesday” is another Loeb tune that is more upbeat and features Jay on flute, as well as some great guitar work from Fernandez.

“Impressions of Madrid” is one of the most interesting offerings on the disc. It’s the first composition of Beckenstein. It begins with clapping and vocals by Jay and has a very Spanish influence. Haunting flute as well as acoustic guitar and marimba work gives this one a special twist. Said Beckenstein, “I really tried to do something that had a gypsy-ish and illusion feel, like people sitting around and doing the clapping thing like they do in Spain.”   Jay is on soprano (which is his favorite) that winds between the various layers of the previously mentioned instruments. The flute leads into the second part which is “Impressions of Toledo” (Spain, not Ohio). The acoustic sounds are gone and are replaced by Fernandez’s electric and more of Jay’s soprano. Tom Schuman is featured on piano and has some solo work as well. The title track is another Beckenstein cut. It is as straight-up as this group gets. He does some of his best work here. The upright bass and piano add to the club sound and shows the band’s variation.

“After The Storm” is one of my favorites. The initial part of this Fernandez tune sounds like crickets on a summer evening. The opening guitar has the Bayou feel to it. Jay’s tenor kicks it into gear and Shuman’s keyboards are a nice background.  Be sure you crank this one up. “Walkin’ Home” has one of those melodies that you’ll be humming for awhile after it ends. It’s another Schuman tune that features a lot of Jay’s tenor and Fernandez’s guitars. “Woogity Bop” was a present from Jay to one of his daughters. Along with the usual sax work of Beckenstein, he sings the title towards the end which makes me think this would be a nice crowd involved number live. It closes the disc which rounds out to be a mixed bag of a lot of great music.

I would recommend you check this one out. One of the things that have kept the group so fresh is the contribution of so many talented artists in the group. Each one’s influence is apparent and keeps Wrapped In A Dream special.

- Harvey Cline