With all original compositions and a running time of nearly one hour, stand out tracks include the lead-in opener "Valentine," "Funky Chai Cha" and "Midwinter Day" that are getting good radio airplay, especially in the Chicago and Wichita areas. Clarion vibes also ring out at the album's climatic midpoint "Back Slap" and closer "The Trek." Along the way, we experience the groove and effervescence of "Circles," "El Cuarto Amarillo," "Marble Race Rematch," "River Watch" and "Wellspring." Each piece takes its time evolving with poignant statements and evocative musical messages.

Featured musicians include Mike Freeman (vibraphone), Jim Gailloreto (tenor sax), Guido Gonzalez (trumpet), Ruben Rodriguez (bass), Roberto Quintero (congas) and Joel Mateo (drums). 

Circles In A Yellow Room came out of a particularly creative period in early 2019 resulting in a burst of compositions written by Freeman and recorded later that year. Freeman’s liner notes describe some of his experiences during the long delay caused by the pandemic and how this production helped occupy his time.

Freeman’s compositions and vibraphone (along with marimba) are front and center throughout with strong solo statements from Gailloreto and Gonzalez supported by intricately robust percussion from Quintero and Mateo. Gailloreto’s tenor sax punctuates “Valentine” and “Marble Race Rematch” with bass clarinet played on “Circles.” Trumpet and flugelhorn alternate to fill the rest of the tracks with Gonzalez firing up the salsa-like “El Cuarto Amarillo.”

Rooted in Afro-Cuban clave, Freeman’s brand of original mambo- and salsa-inspired jazz- Latin-blues recordings have received national and international attention with radio airplay, charting on jazz, contemporary jazz, and World Music radio. A four-time Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Creative Engagement grant recipient, Freeman’s concert productions have highlighted the history of Latin music in his Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, the tradition of vibraphone in Latin music, and his own music born from that tradition.

Vibraphonist Mike Freeman is an adventurous stylist who presents intriguing music. On his earlier "Venetian Blinds" project, we heard his inspirations  from Tito Puente, Bobby Hutcherson and some originals. This latest all-original release empahsizes Zonavibe’s versatility, imagination and spirit make this another striking set. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)