Peter Manheim - In Time (Northern Spy)

Drummer/keyboardist Peter Manheim has served admirably in the engine room of cross-genre artists like Resavoir and Tony Glausi, but finally steps out to showcase his own compositions on his debut EP In Time. Featuring horn players Will Miller, Tim Bennett, and T@NE, “Peace Groove” and “Lonely Road” blend spiritual jazz and funky soul for a hot bath atmosphere that inspires contemplation as much as rapture. “Faded” combines glitchy electronic with jazz rock fusion, including muscular guitar from Conrad Reeves. “The Gate” and “Lost Dayz” push electronica to the forefront, while the title track folds in African rhythms from guest talking drummer Mamadou Fantastic. One could argue that, given the variety, the EP barely hangs together as a listening experience. But Manheim’s keys and drumming bring a consistent flavor, and even if it’s more of a resumé, In Time is impressive.