Jean Martin / Colin Fisher

Between the two of them, drummer/loopster Jean Martin and multi-instrumentalist Colin Fisher command a veritable orchestra of sound resources. And they deploy them here to captivating effect. From the endearingly uncertain vocalese on opener "Olive” to the powerhouse Weather Report-ish "Koyaya,” with its irresistible riffage and Fisher’s virtuosic electric bass solo, Little Man on the Boat displays sophisticated arranging. Especially noteworthy is Martin’s growing production expertise, as the sound quality and mixing are superb throughout. The title tune features the CD’s strongest playing — Fisher’s guitar histrionics are genuinely inspired, dramatically emotional and technically spellbinding. The only weak link in the eight-track document is "Allo Caveman,” which suffers from the saxophone’s limited range of gestures and a lack of self-critical editing. Regardless, Little Man shows the duo’s imaginative breadth, mature arranging and production skills in the context of diverse tunes that are engaging even after repeated listening.