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This band started back in 1975 and has an impressive history. Read
all about it on their site
www.woodenheadmusic.com or on
www.lasercd.com as their history is a bit long to put it all in
this review.
I
got this CD some weeks ago, listened to it, and thought, this is not
my cup of tea, I’ll give it to one of our other reviewers. A week
later, I listened again in my car and it started to have a grip on
me. Now, I’m starting to like it more and more. It will never be my
top album, as I’m not really a jazz lover, as some of you already
know, but still this one is good.
It”s a strange album. In the beginning, I heard too many
improvisations, which is characteristic in jazz, but the longer I
listened to it, the more I started to hear real songs in it.
Although I still hear a bit too much improvising, you know the
style, where every musician gets his part for a fixed amount of
time.
A
lot of styles are mixed into this more jazz fusion oriented album.
The music even gives me a country feeling from time to time,
especially in “Drop Dead” and “Yes And No”, mostly due to the rhythm
section and the sound of the guitar. But don’t worry, it’s only a
tiny part of these two songs and it’s not annoying at all.
There’s also a lot of funky stuff on this record. For example,
there’s “Bone Wars” with the funky Trombones From Hell and the
nervous organ riff underneath and also a walking bass solo. It’s one
of those songs in which every one gets his turn, so a skilful
electric piano and electric guitar solo are present. “Dance #2 “ is
another funky piece with a lot of trombones, a lot of wah wah
effects and a lot of dynamic themes. “Funk Tune” already gives a
clue about the content. This is a very groovy track with lots of
trombones again. After two minutes it changes into a whole different
sound, with lots of guitar, but the groove remains the same. I also
need to mention the powerful organ solo near the end of the song.
“Buzz Beat “ has also a funky feeling, but this time the rhythm
guitar is leading the groove. Later in the song, the bass takes up
this funky rhythm.
“Little Blue” is a bluesy, laid-back mellow piece, with some clean
guitar sounds and lots of Hammond organ. “Ayo Aise” is even
mellower, starts with a very quiet guitar solo and piano and grows
to a full climax at the end. “Chef Of The Future” is a more complex
piece, with lots of changes, and some references to King Crimson.
I
didn’t mention track one “Big G”, which isn’t really representative
for the rest of the album. Maybe an easy starter, to make the album
more accessible?
Listen to a few samples on
http://www.woodenheadmusic.com/whmp3.html so you have an idea,
what I’m talking about.
If you like jazz fusion, funky style, then don’t hesitate. |
