If 10,000 hours of study, of practice is enough to reach a minimum level of mastery (I say without 30,000 you don't get out of mediocrity), to decipher the intricacies of a jazz musician takes less time, thankfully, and if we get the gist, intellectualize less, and open the way to the senses, we reach the consummate artistic act even faster. The essential in the whole experience lies in the connection, in how the technically trained musician knows how to achieve and maintain a connection with band mates and audiences. It's indispensable in this process of honing one's musical identity. After decades, or more than a hundred thousand hours of dedication, vibraphonist Joe Locke adds a new album to his impressive, much-lauded and award-winning discography. 'Makram', named after Lebanese bassist Makram Aboul Hosn, is a brilliant fusion of wit, ingenuity, virtuosity and modernity from an artist who puts connection at the heart of musical creation. Locke's quartet form a brotherly bond, a group perfectly suited to the quality of compositions that make this album so special, so meticulously prepared. The arrangements seem to unfold with ease, with the instruments' measured contributions giving us a familiar yet contemporary and international sound. 'Makram' is challenging, complex, accurately reflecting the connection with the group, the audience and, most importantly, their own inspiration.