Scott Ezell explores the world--literally. And along the way, he savors his relationships with differing cultures, communities and people. Especially people. In the same way, he explores music and sound. With each piece on this album he explores the possiblities of the note, melody and song. With you, he savors the sound that is happening now, plays with it, lets you anticipate what will happen next, then carries you on. My personal favorite is Track #10, "Ming-sho's House on Orchid Island." It is the only track on the album featuring his Asian-tuned banjo. With an unpredictible melody and an almost erratic rhythm, I am left every few notes at a precipice, waiting for what will happen next, then deliriously happily stumbling into the next sequence. Other pieces range from the folkie "Swing and Turn" to the avant garde "Electric Still Life in F#". Each piece is a new journey, a new discovery. From his description of the album, above, and from this review, do not think for a moment that this body of work is not accessible to the Western ear. Well, hell, just listen. You'll see. If you love exploring music, you will love this album. That's what I think. PS In this review I never used the word "awesome." But I could have.