Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz shared a very positive review of the collaboration album Hawkeye, with the group, formed by bassist Sam Bevan and drummer Bryan Bowman, and pianist Grant Levin and Japanese saxophonist/flautist Mas Koga.
“Bevan takes the lion’s share of the writing credits, with six tunes to his name. “Hawkeye” and “Miraje” both swing beautifully and give Levin and Koga the chance to stretch out with some melodic soloing. “Reverence for All Things Small” is performed by Bevan, Levin and Bowman—it’s a spacious ballad that showcases Bevan’s distinctive bass sound and Levin’s sparkling piano.”
“Koga’s “Hanabi” brings yet another change of style to the album. The tune has a mysterious aura to it, due in large part to Koga’s ethereal playing of the shakuhachi flute and Bowman’s creative percussion. A slightly darker, slightly unsettling vibe comes to the fore on Bevan’s “Sneak Attack.” Levin’s piano and Bevan’s bass seem to laugh mockingly while Bevan’s bass solo is almost menacing. It’s one of the album’s most successful tunes and once again demonstrates the quartet’s ability to create different moods and atmospheres.”
“Hawkeye works on a number of levels: the talent of the musicians, the quality of the compositions and the variety of moods and styles combine to make a strong, enjoyably eclectic album. The fact that this is the band’s debut makes it even more impressive: future collaborations are eagerly anticipated.”