Howie 61 Abstract Logix**

Guitarist Wayne Krantz is just about the hippest thing on six strings, as his blue-chip side- man credits attest. His own solo projects, meanwhile – daringly original, genre-bending improvisational affairs – have put him in a category of one. But those hoping for more of the same will be perplexed by the guitarist’s first solo record in three years.

Howie 61sees Krantz step up to the microphone and deliver, if that is the word, a vocal record that is one part genius, one part Steely Dan (more genius) but alas, 59 parts ho-hum. There are flashes of the anarchic virtuoso, and the taut New York grooves are deeper than the East River, but Krantz is no singer, and the music has all been smoothed over and over- produced. And even with a stellar supporting cast, including drummer Vinne Colaiuta, saxophonist Dave Binney and bassist John Patitucci, the overall impression is a puzzled "huh ?" Even Homer nods. waynekrantz.com