Plunge is the brainchild of trombonist/composer Mark McGrain. Plunge goes low, low, low: its highest instrument is McGrain's trombone, accompanied by tuba, upright bass and drums. The two bass instruments and the emphasis on percussion give Plunge a groove-heavy sound, with clear influences from New Orleans, the Carribean, Africa and the hip-hop sound of the street. Principal soloist McGrain chooses to mesh into the ensemble, inside the groove instead of above it. With brilliant, mysterious production from Tom Dube, "Falling from Grace" is both atmospheric and punchy, and incidentally, a treat for headphone wearers.

For Plunge's debut recording, McGrain has assembled an all-star cast. Drummer Bob Moses is one of the living legends, a top jazz composer and sideman to Pat Metheny, Dave Liebman etc, etc. Tubaist Marcus Rojas, veteran of Henry Threadgill and Charlie Haden bands, is the top new bottom brass man in jazz. Bassist Avishai Cohen has played with Danilo Perez, Ravi Coltrane, George Garzone and Ralph Peterson.

Tracks: 1.Wagdanz; 2.394; 3.Beneath the Wheel; 4.Reveille; 5.Just Like Alice; 6.Dog; 7.The Mist; 8.Rafael's Drum; 9.Mungo; 10. 11:11; 11.Trick of the Light; 12.Running, Running.