"Mike’s time playing is delightfully inventive and his intonation is absolutely impeccable…his lines are clear, hip, and agile. His technique and intonation are extraordinary.”
Kim Richmond, Jazz Player Magazine
"Virtuoso solo bassist Mike Downes delighted the hall: on this seemingly "heavy-handed" tool it is only possible in the performance of the greatest masters. Mike is definitely one of them."
Trud Journal
"Mike Downes is as gifted a composer as he is a bassist."
Chris Kosky, International Society of Bassists
“Downes picked up the instrument when he was eight and since then, has become one of the bright lights on the Canadian jazz scene.”
Terry Craig, Saskatoon Free Press
"Very rarely is this cumbersome looking instrument heard on disc with such majesty."
RPM Magazine
"Mike Downes's musicality is never in question."
Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star
“Together, they carry out Downes' mission of foundational exploration while shedding light on his compositional gifts.” (Root Structure review)
Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
“The four men share common musical tastes and, equally important, there is a spirit of camaraderie and a certain indescribable chemistry”
Nick Miliokas, The Leader Post
“Given the variety, the versatility, the virtuosity featured here, if you listen to it you’ll agree that there is also a total effect… a haunting quality.” (Winds of Change review)
Stanley Fefferman, The Live Music Report
“The trio’s whole is greater than the sum of its utterly in-sync players.”
Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen