Justice / Justicia

Any album purporting to address social justice ought to say something, or at least have powerful feeling. Unfortunately, the vocal "Everything is Everything" winds up as wasted potential, empty frustration, as if Palmieri suffered writer's block before coming up with the masterpiece Harlem River Drive. The more instrumental pieces similarly fail to shine, despite the always impressive cast of players and singers. Nothing bombs, but nothing clicks. Though interesting as the precedent to a soul-jazz classic, Justicia is only average for an Eddie Palmieri record, which is still heads above most, and probably essential listening.