For pianist and composer Zen Zadravec’s first album as band leader, he has written and arranged original material, assembled an all-star cast of musicians, and obtained a grant from Factor, an organization that supports Canadian artists. The resulting “Human Revolution” is a nicely recorded album with a high degree of technical proficiency. Zadravec plays with a strong, sharp, creative and expressive style. Todd Bashore (saxophones), Derrick Gardner and John Douglas (trumpet) also capitalize on plenty of opportunities to cut loose in the progressive settings. Bassists Kenny Davis and Mike Pope, as well as drummer Mark Whitfield Jr. provide solid rhythm footing.  Dylan Bell’s scat vocalizing gives “Live!” and “Jamiliah” some mellow, wistful, or introspective feelings. Zadravec’s creative influences seem to stem largely from the harmonically intricate virtuosos of bop, bluesy and earthy hard bop styles, and open-ended harmonies and extended improvisation of post-bop influences. The self-professed “musical chameleon” also incorporates interesting world fusion rhythms and melodies into compositions like “The Nature of All Things,” “Climb” and “Mentor Discipline.” His goal is to inspire, encourage, and touch people’s hearts with his music, and Zadravec succeeds with his improvised-based music. Zen Zadravec continues to carve his identity as a premier jazz pianist, composer and innovator.   (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)