A review in for Cosmic Dust "The Dust Also Rises." This was just published in the LA Jazz Scene.
While fusion (the combination of the sound, volume and rhythms of rock with jazz improvisation) dominated the 1970s and then became overshadowed by other approaches during the next decade, it is still very much a part of the current jazz scene. The electronics have become more sophisticated as have the rhythms, and the best fusion groups always have a generous amount of inventive solos.
Jim Templeton, an excellent pianist and an important educator in the Pacific Northwest, founded Cosmic Dust in 1980. The current version of the fusion band consists of Templeton on keyboards, guitarist Mike Doolin, Gary Edighoffer on tenor, flute and other reeds, electric bassist Sam Hallam, and drummer Charles Neal. They perform ten originals with spirit and constant creativity.
The music is consistently unpredictable, even when it hits a relaxing groove as on “Circus.’ The melodies, chord changes and solos are quite original and at no time does Cosmic Dust sound closely based on any other fusion group. All of the musicians are strong soloists (Edighoffer is a standout on flute and tenor), the ensembles are tight yet loose and, even with its rockish moments, the jazz content is high. “Walkin’ On Out” (which sounds briefly like “Chameleon” in spots), “Blues #7” and the happily funky “Bones For Kitty” are among the highpoints of this colorful set.
Cosmic Dust is a fusion group well worth checking out.
https://open.spotify.com/album/47vgdxkyNKLhyQZNdw43Yf
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/cosmicdust13