Marty Laster is a member of the multi-talented gang of freelance string players in the New York City area who are called on to play authentically in many different styles as a matter of course. He is a violist with the Long Island Philharmonic and can be heard playing violin and viola on television jingles, as well as in the occasional Broadway play that calls for someone with conservatory chops who can also play bluegrass, swing, klezmer, or you-name-it. Sound Mosaics is the very antithesis of the typical "jam" album that many non-classical acoustic soloists produce these days.

In this, his first solo album, Laster's ingenious abilities in arranging share the spotlight with his great playing. Seven of the nine tunes are originals. And one of. the coolest things about this CD is how Laster manages to flow from one style to another, in midstream, on so many of the pieces. The complexity of the arrangements is mind-boggling, but they are always musical and filled with pleasant surprises. One tune begins in classic big-band swing (with a hip oboe solo!) then melts into a Dixieland/ Baroque counterpoint. Themes are developed, twisted and even turned inside out. One cut begins as a Celtic jig but soon cycles to bop to stately dance to Scottish bagpipe style to Chinese to Andean, all with seamless orchestration.

Laster shares solo honors with many fine players, from steel guitar to ethnic flutes to didgeridoo all with style and humor. It's a sound that reflects the unique. energy and eclecticism oŁ New York City and the old northeast of America.”

review by Stacy Phillips