The long-awaited new Tribal Tech album X will be released on March 27th 2012. Featuring Scott Henderson on guitar; Gary Willis on bass; Scott Kinsey on keyboards & Kirk Covington on drums, this will be the iconic fusion group's first new release in 12 years. See below for pre-order link and track listing.
Tracklisting:
1. Mech X
2. Got Faith N’ Phat
3. Time Lapse
4. Anthem
5. Palm Moon Plaza
6. Gravity
7. Working Blue
8. Ask Me A Question
9. Let’s Get Swung
10. Corn But
Ian Patterson has written a great review of the Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 double CD for All About Jazz.
AAJ Review: Various Artists: The New Universe Music Festival 2010 - Abstract Logix Live!
PRESS RELEASE
Abstract Logix to release New Universe Music Festival double-DVD compilation featuring John McLaughlin, Jimmy Herring, Lenny White, Wayne Krantz, Zakir Hussain and more on September 20, 2011
On November 20 and 21, 2010, maverick record label Abstract Logix hosted a series of spectacular performances, featuring an array of artists who handily defy genre categorization in favor of unbridled expression. The first New Universe Music Festival, primarily sponsored by Godin Guitars and DIY Music was a die-hard music lover's dream, defined by artists who seamlessly mingle compositional ingenuity and improvisational grace and fervor.
A 2 DVD Compilation featuring the music on the CD, along with over 60
minutes of the grand finale Jam tribute to John McLaughlin featuring all
the artists of the festival along with behind the scenes footage and
extensive interviews will be released on September 20, 2011.
The release features pioneering guitarist John McLaughlin and his
current band the 4th Dimension with special guest, world music legend
tabla maestro Zakir Hussain; Widespread Panic guitar hero Jimmy Herring
with his electric band; Return to Forever Drummer Lenny White; the
all-star quartet Human Element (keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Matt
Garrison, percussionist Arto Tunçboyaciyan; fearless guitarist and
improviser Wayne Krantz appearing with the amazing Anthony Jackson on
bass; visionary Indian composer and drummer Ranjit Barot; and emerging
guitar visionary Alex Machacek.
A 2 CD Set of the festival featuring 131 minutes of music was released
on July 19, 2011 to rave reviews:
"The final guitarist on the album is the Mahavishnu himself, John
McLaughlin. His band, the Fourth Dimension, is a tight and nimble unit
that can change directions at will as if all the members are a single
organism. It will take most listeners some time to work through both
discs, but the chance to hear the evolution of jazz/rock guitar in a
live setting is well worth the investment." - Premier Guitar
"For those who like their jazz hard, loud, filled with killer chops and
intricate writing, the 2010 New Universe Music Festival was like manna
from heaven. - All About Jazz
This thing is amazing!!!! UNREAL!!!! - Voice of America
Here's praise for the event itself:
"The New Universe Music Festival brought together an astonishing roster
of legendary and upcoming jazz-fusion musicians-especially guitarists-in
an intimate setting charged with excitement. As might be expected, the
music was superb, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to fusion and world
music pioneer John McLaughlin. I look forward to attending the next
NUMF, though the first one will be very tough to top." -Barry Cleveland,
Guitar Player
JazzTimes editor Lee Mergner attended the festival, observing, "It was a
veritable smorgasbord of fusion, with many of the top-notch artists in
the genre coming together for a series of performances. Jazz-rock fans
attending the inaugural event heard legends like John McLaughlin and
Lenny White, established names such as Wayne Krantz, Human Element and
Jimmy Herring, as well as up-and-comers like Alex Machacek and Ranjit
Barot. From start to finish, the music was electric, even when it was
being played acoustically. There was also a palpable sense of community
as artists generously participated in listening sessions and sat in with
each other throughout the event. I highly recommend this festival and
look forward to seeing and hearing its second incarnation in 2012."
About DIY Media:
DIY Media is the leading platform in social commerce. The company
provides the simplest and shortest means to sell digital content to
online customers. From complete portable storefronts for single tracks,
albums, and entire music catalog shareable widgets to brilliantly
designed and built white label storefronts for entire music catalogs,
DIY Media empowers social commerce in the music industry. The company's
innovative, all-in-one, direct to consumer digital e-commerce
distribution and marketing platform provides record labels, artists, and
digital distributors, with unparalleled reach and revenue opportunities
within the exploding viral marketplaces of Facebook, Twitter, email, and
mobile phones.
About Godin Guitars:
With its early beginnings in 1972, the Godin Guitar family now includes
6 lines of guitars. These include the renowned Godin electric line, as
well as the finely crafted acoustic lines such as Seagull, Simon&
Patrick, Norman, Art& Lutherie and LaPatrie nylon stringed classical
guitars. Godin Guitars is also the manufacturer of the revolutionary
TRIC acoustic guitar case. Based in Montreal Quebec, this Canadian
company has 6 factories, 5 of which are located in the Eastern Townships
of Quebec and 1 located in Berlin New Hampshire.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was lucky enough to conduct the backstage interviews for this release which appear on disc two. Follow the link below to pre-order this epic two-DVD set.
Pre-Order Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 DVD Set)
See Also:
Review: Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 CD)
Abstract Logix Live 2010 - The New Universe Music Festival Promo Video!
On November 20th and 21st 2010, cutting edge jazz and fusion recording label Abstract Logix held their first New Universe Music Festival at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh North Carolina. This incredible event brought together an array of the label’s top artists to not only perform for a live audience, but to celebrate the music and the label’s vision with them as well. The dream-team lineup consisted of Alex Machacek, Ranjit Barot, Scott Kinsey’s band Human Element, Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, Lenny White’s band (which included Herring on guitar), and last but not least, John McLaughlin, who was joined by his Shakti bandmate Zakir Hussain. Now Abstract Logix has released a live album featuring a collection of the festival’s best performances. As someone who was on hand for that special weekend last fall, I can confirm this release is a fine representation of the spirit and incredible musicianship of what was hopefully the first of many New Universe Music Festivals to come.
Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 consists of two discs, each representing a single day of the festival. Each disc includes a selection of songs from that day’s performers, arranged in order of appearance. Disc one opens with “Strafe” and “Very Sad” from guitarist Alex Machacek’s festival-launching set with drummer Jeff Sipe, and bassist Neal Fountain. There’s a rapport in this trio, built from numerous past gigs, which really comes through on these two tracks. With “Strafe,” the band is in bleeding-edge fusion mode as they tear through the song’s complex lines and riffs. “Very Sad,” by contrast, is an airy ballad that includes a gorgeous, lyrical bass solo from Fountain. On both of these cuts, Machacek takes standout, legato-infused solos. In recent years, Machacek's exceptional writing and playing have placed him at the forefront of the next generation of jazz fusion, making him a great choice to open this festival.
“Vignesh Kirtanam” and “Origin” from drummer Ranjit Barot’s performance are great illustrations of what set this festival apart from others you might see, especially in the United States. Barot’s music blends Indian and western influences for a style that is quite unique within the “jazz fusion” genre. That style made Barot’s debut album Bada Boom one of Abstract Logix’s best releases of 2010, and it added a distinctive flavor to the New Universe Music Festival. On “Vignesh Kirtanam,” Barot provides a modern take on traditional Indian music while performing in a duo setting with violinist Bala Bhaskar. Both musicians are burning on this track which includes some programmed synth elements to flesh out the sound. Barot and Bhaskar are then joined by the next band on the bill, Human Element, and guitarist Wayne Krantz, for “Origin” - a Bada Boom song which included Krantz as a guest. As with the studio version of this piece, Krantz’s rhythmic-oriented linear style is the perfect augmentation here. His phrases serve the greater good of the song by darting in and around the groove as opposed to simply laying over the top of it. Hearing Krantz perform with these musicians, in this setting, was a festival highlight, which makes this song’s inclusion on the disc a real treat.
Next up are two songs from Human Element - a top-shelf fusion band that combines forward-thinking modern elements with strong shades of the past (particularly the music of Weather Report and Joe Zawinul). With Scott Kinsey on keyboards, Matthew Garrison on bass, Ranjit Barot on drums, and Arto Tuncboyaciyan on vocals, percussion, and God knows what else, the group took the festival by storm with a set that was seriously grooving from start to finish. Barot was filling in here for original drummer Gary Novak who was unable to attend, and though Barot had little rehearsal time with the band you would never know it. The group digs in on the tribal groove of “Essaouira,” which includes ample amounts of special sauce from Tuncboyaciyan, and great solos by both Garrison and Barot. The intensity gets cranked up on “Sometimes I...” which has Garrison bringing in some of his Shapeshifter-style sonic elements, such as wildly de-tuning the bass at various points in the song. The audacious spirit present in these tracks is not only reflective of the band’s full set - parallels can also be drawn to the festival as a whole, and the Abstract Logix label in general.
Disc one is rounded out with three songs from guitarist Jimmy Herring’s group, who closed the festivities on day one. With Matt Slocum on keyboards, and the double-duty rhythm section of Jeff Sipe on drums and Neal Fountain on bass (who both appeared with Alex Machacek earlier in the evening), Herring’s band was in top form as they were in the middle of a US tour when they made their appearance on the Lincoln Theatre stage. The band’s searing version of “Rainbow” is one of the highlights of this entire album. Slocum’s piano work is top notch on this track, where he provides an extended unaccompanied intro, and a burning solo near the end. Herring turns in a killer solo here as well - fully loaded with his patented 16th note lines - as does Sipe, who brings the song to a triumphant conclusion with his furious outro. On the heady ballad “Gray Day,” the band shows a different, softer side as both Herring and Fountain play some beautiful jazz lines over the changes. The band’s third track on the disc is a stirring rendition of the George Harrison-penned Beatles song “Within You, Without You” - a crowd favorite in Herring’s live shows. The lyricism of the melodies in this tune plays to the strengths of Herring’s touch, and his soaring tone. It’s a great way to end disc one, though it’s not the last you’ll hear from Herring on this release.
Wayne Krantz opened the festival on day two with the incredible Anthony Jackson on bass, and Cliff Almond on drums - both of whom he’s gigged and recorded with in the past. And though “Why” is the only song included here from Krantz’s set, it’s a real doozy. This track has everything you’d expect from a great piece of Krantz-driven group improv - tight grooves, tempo changes that turn on a dime, and an adventurous attitude that throws caution to the wind. That adventurousness is fueled by the near-telepathic connection these players have onstage. When Krantz steers the band into a four-on-the-floor groove, Jackson and Almond know right where to find him. When he directs them back to the head, there they are without missing a beat. The audience was seriously wowed by this singular style of improvisation, which made Krantz’s set one of the most unique offerings of the weekend.
Legendary drummer Lenny White’s band brought an old-school jazz rock vibe to the festival that is well represented on “Door #3” and “Gazelle.” Though White’s band may have a throwback style and approach, the lineup features two guitarists - a rarity among both current bands in the genre, and the bands of decades gone by when White was first blazing the trail with Miles Davis and Return To Forever. In this band, the one-two guitar punch of Tom Guarna and Jimmy Herring is used to great effect for both improvisational excursions and harmonized lines. Guarna and Herring have differing, yet complimentary styles as well, and are both given plenty of room to shine. “Door #3,” for example, has the group navigating an array of tricky rhythmic twists leading up to a lyrical jazzy solo by Guarna, and a grooving blues section that is right in Herring’s wheelhouse. Bassist Ritchie Goods contributes some great stuff to this song as well, especially when the whole band starts trading off. White takes an elegant solo at the end of this tune, prompting an enthusiastic reception from the crowd. With “Gazelle” - a Joe Henderson tune that White recorded on his recent Anomaly album - the band is in pure jazz rock mode. Vince Evans’ great keyboard work on this track lends a strong 70s feel that is right up this band’s alley. Guarna and Herring both take killer solos on this song as well over a cool set of changes. Having John McLaughlin on board for this festival was fantastic, but to have Lenny White there as well - another elder statesman from those early days - was really something special.
Speaking of McLaughlin, his band the 4th Dimension was also mid-tour when they appeared in Raleigh, and two great tracks from their set are included here to close out the second disc. McLaughlin was the natural choice to headline the final day since he all but invented jazz fusion some 40 years ago, and continues to create new and relevant music in the genre for the Abstract Logix label. For their festival appearance, the 4th Dimension included Etienne Mbappe on bass, Mark Mondesir on drums, and Gary Husband on keyboards and drums - all high quality pros who have no trouble keeping up with their iconic bandleader. On “Recovery” - an up-tempo piece from the band’s 2010 release To The One - the whole group shines, but Mbappe steals the spotlight with an extended energetic bass solo. Tabla master Zakir Hussain, McLaughlin’s old friend and Shakti bandmate, joins the band on “Mother Tongues” for an epic jam that pushed the festival, and this resulting album, to new heights. Mid-way through the tune, the band segues into “Five Peace Band” - a song from McLaughlin’s Floating Point album which he also performed with Remember Shakti. This is where things get really interesting. After running through the head, the band yields the floor to McLaughlin and Hussain to do what they do best; play off each other and improvise in the moment. The interplay between these giants is jaw-dropping as they weave in and out of grooves and peel off amazing fast runs in tandem. Eventually the whole band joins in and trades off with Hussain, leading to a mammoth percussion face-off before bringing it back to “Mother Tongues.” It’s a breath-taking and fitting end to two discs worth of amazing live musicianship.
Kudos to Abstract Logix for championing these artists with a stellar festival that not only celebrated the current state of their music, but also enlightened fans to where it is all going, and where it all began. Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 accurately captures this exciting event, making it one of the best releases of the year so far, and possibly one of the best live jazz fusion releases ever. Highly recommended.
Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (Abstract Logix)
Disc 1 - Saturday November 20th
1. Alex Machacek, Neal Fountain, Jeff Sipe - "Strafe"
2. Alex Machacek, Neal Fountain, Jeff Sipe - "Very Sad"
3. Ranjit Barot, Bala Bhaskar - "Vignesh Kirtanam"
4. Ranjit Barot, Bala Bhaskar, Wayne Krantz, Scott Kinsey, Matt Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan - "Origin"
5. Scott Kinsey, Matt Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Ranjit Barot - "Essaouira"
6. Scott Kinsey, Matt Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Ranjit Barot - "Sometimes I"
7. Jimmy Herring, Neal Fountain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - "Rainbow"
8. Jimmy Herring, Neal Fountain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - ""Gray Day"
9. Jimmy Herring, Neal Fountain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - Within You Without You"
Disc 2 - Sunday November 21st
10. Wayne Krantz, Anthony Jackson, Cliff Almond - "Why"
11. Lenny White, Jimmy Herring, Tom Guarna, Richie Goods, Vince Evans - "Door #3"
12. Lenny White, Jimmy Herring, Tom Guarna, Richie Goods, Vince Evans - "Gazelle"
13. John McLaughlin, Etienne Mbappe, Gary Husband, Mark Mondesir - "Recovery"
14. John McLaughlin, Etienne Mbappe, Gary Husband, Mark Mondesir, Zakir Hussain - "Mother Tongues"
Guitarist Chris Taylor has been around the block a few times. A veteran of the music business for over 30 years, the New York native has written, recorded, and/or performed with artists such as Grover Washington Jr., Lionel Hampton, Randy Brecker and many others. Fusion guitar fans may be familiar with his work with guitarists Ed DeGenaro (Dog House, Less Is Seldom More) and John Czajkowski (West ZooOpolis). Now Taylor has struck out on his own with Nocturnal (Abstract Logix); a stunningly original debut that pushes the boundaries of modern jazz and fusion.
From a harmony perspective, Nocturnal is a jazz record at its core, yet Taylor dresses it heavily with electronica and industrial influences that wash the listener in a cornucopia of sounds and samples. While the use of these textures in jazz fusion is not unprecedented - the music of Uncle Moe’s Space Ranch and Alex Machacek comes to mind - Taylor’s thoroughly integrated application of these ideas in a jazz context feels very new. As a result, the whole album hits you as a bold, fresh statement, especially when you consider this is Taylor’s first recording as a leader.
Though Nocturnal is clearly Taylor’s brainchild, he hardly goes it alone here as he is joined by a remarkable lineup of top-shelf musicians including drummers Dave Weckl, Gary Novak, Joel Rosenblatt, Kirk Covington and Tracey Kroll, bassists Ric Fierabracci, Gary Hease and Kevin Freeby, keyboardists George Whitty, John Findlay and Scott Kinsey, saxophonist Steve Tavaglione, and guitarist John Czajkowski. One look at these names should tell you that despite any preconceived notions you may have about terms like “electronica” or “samples,” this is still a players album. It also happens to be one of the most creative records to hit the modern jazz scene in some time.
Taylor’s playing style is quite unique. His solos are peppered with exploratory lines that flow from a strong jazz vocabulary with a heavy ‘outside’ skew, yet he plays with a light attack that forgoes the flash and shred often heard from contemporary fusion guitarists. Imagine a player with the harmonic sense of Allan Holdsworth and the touch of Allen Hinds and you’ll start to get the idea. From the tonal side of things, Taylor generally goes with “stratty” sounds with just enough gain to add some punch without getting too crunchy - the perfect tone to match his dynamic, legato style.
Nocturnal’s opening track “Voices in My Head” gives a strong indication of what’s in store for the rest of the disc. Tavaglione’s prominent sax work and Taylor’s swinging solo create an obvious jazz mood, yet samples and backwards effects are sprinkled throughout the mix to create a sonic landscape that’s as unexpected as it is cutting edge. This “cinematic jazz” approach is utilized throughout the album, though on some tracks, such as the beautiful, eastern-tinged “Nocturnal,” and the hauntingly evocative “Recluse,” Taylor leans more heavily in the “soundscape” direction to create pieces that are more like aural paintings than traditional songs.
Taylor has cited Weather Report as an influence, and “Ear To The Rail” is clearly an homage to that groundbreaking band, and their torch bearers Tribal Tech. The song’s groove and vocal accents strongly reflect the music of Weather Report founding member Joe Zawinul, while Taylor’s solo on this tune is dripping with Scott Henderson-esque blues phrases. Another standout track is “You Know What I’m Saying?” - a great piece of fast modern jazz, again augmented with samples and sound effects to tweak the ear. Taylor takes one of his best solos on the album here, as he strings together one great outside line after another. Tavaglione and keyboardist Scott Kinsey also make great contributions on this piece.
The most straight-laced song on Nocturnal is likely “Green Divided By Blue.” Save for the intro, the sonic effects are held to a minimum on this track in which everyone involved turns in a killer performance. Ric Fierabracci’s stellar fretless playing is a major factor in the overall mood of the song, as is Tavaglione’s great tenor work.
Whereas “Green Divided By Blue” largely eschews the genre bending production devices employed throughout the rest of the album, the next track is practically defined by them. “All Of Us” is a radical mash-up of jazz and electronica that starts off like a spaghetti western-themed rave. George Bush sound bites mingle with driving beats and copious amounts of sampled percussion in a head-spinning industrial techno onslaught, before the song morphs into a slow, simmering blues-inflected groove. Fierabracci really shines on this tune, especially with his licks in the intro. Despite all of that, it’s Taylor’s guitar work that truly defines the song. His understated phrases are the perfect ingredient over the track’s busy production, and the classic vibe effect he employs is the coolest guitar tone on the album.
Some of Taylor’s best playing on Nocturnal can be found on “Bela” - a fantastic tune that features some creepy Bela Lugosi spoken-word samples. Taylor’s solo on this track is arguably his jazziest on the whole record. He not only pours out tons of great lines (some of which reflect a John Scofield influence), but also demonstrates a deft use of volume swells - a technique he employs regularly throughout the disc. Whitty’s keyboard solo on this song is also one the great treats of this album.
“Here To There” is a chimey piece full of arpeggiated guitar parts and swirling backwards sounds that begs the use of headphones to get the full effect. Tavaglione’s use of a harmonica patch for his EWI is a perfect fit here. The deep growling “Odd Hours” closes the album in strong fashion with a Jeff Beck-like low register melody, and killer playing from Tavaglione and drummer Kirk Covington. Things get nasty late in the tune when John Czajkowski comes in with some uber-heavy power chords played on baritone guitar.
With Nocturnal, Taylor, the long time sideman, clearly establishes himself not only as an artist in his own right, but as a highly original voice in modern jazz. Had he not incorporated samples, or any other post-production atmospheric elements, this would still stand as a fine debut full of creativity and depth. By so thoroughly and seamlessly weaving these “non-jazz” textures into his music, however, Taylor brings a fresh vision to the genre that is exciting and innovative. Nocturnal is a captivating release that is hopefully the first of many to come from this fine guitarist and composer. Highly recommended.
Chris Taylor - Nocturnal (Abstract Logix)
Personnel:
Chris Taylor - Guitar, Keyboards, Programming
Dave Weckl, Gary Novak, Joel Rosenblatt, Kirk Covington, Tracey Kroll - Drums
Ric Fierabracci, Gary Hease, Kevin Freeby - Bass
George Whitty, John Findlay, Scott Kinsey - Keyboards
Steve Tavaglione - Saxophone, Woodwinds, EWI
John Czajkowski - Baritone Guitar
Francesca Russo - Voice
Tracklisting:
1. Voices In My Head
2. Ear To The Rail
3. Nocturnal
4. You Know What I’m Saying?
5. Green Divided By Blue
6. All Of Us
7. Bela
8. Recluse
9. Here To There
10. Odd Hours
Abstract Logix will release a 2-CD set chronicling their 2010 New Universe Music Festival on July 19th. Featuring performances by John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension (with special guest Zakir Hussain), Jimmy Herring, Alex Machacek, Wayne Krantz, Lenny White's band Anomaly (featuring Jimmy Herring), Human Element, and Ranjit Barot, I know this will be an incredible album since I was there for the amazing two-day event. No official word on the tracklisting yet, but I'll be sure to post more info as it becomes available. See tracklisting below!
NOTE: A 2 DVD Set of the festival, with additional performances including an All Star Tribute to John McLaughlin, interviews, and other bonus features will be released on September 20, 2011. See the promo video here.
Pre-order the 2-CD set now from Abstract Logix
UPDATE: Read my review of the 2-CD set here.
Sampler
Tracklisting:
CD 1 - Saturday November 20th
1. Alex Machacek/Neal Fountain/Jeff Sipe: Strafe
2. Alex Machacek/Neal Fountain/Jeff Sipe: Very Sad
3. Ranjit Barot/Bala Bhaskar: Vignesh Kirtanam
4. Ranjit Barot/Wayne Krantz/Scott Kinsey/Matt Garrison/Arto Tuncboyaciyan: Origin
5. Scott Kinsey/Matt Garrison/Arto Tuncboyaciyan/Ranjit Barot: Essaouira
6. Scott Kinsey/Matt Garrison/Arto Tuncboyaciyan/Ranjit Barot: Sometimes I
7. Jimmy Herring/Neal Fountain/Matt Slocum/Jeff Sipe: Rainbow
8. Jimmy Herring/Neal Fountain/Matt Slocum/Jeff Sipe: Gray Day
9. Jimmy Herring/Neal Fountain/Matt Slocum/Jeff Sipe: Within You Without You
CD 2 - Sunday November 21th
10. Wayne Krantz/Anthony Jackson/Cliff Almond: Why
11. Lenny White/Jimmy Herring/Tom Guarna/Richie Goods/Vince Evans: Door #3
12. Lenny White/Jimmy Herring/Tom Guarna/Richie Goods/Vince Evans: Gazelle
13. John McLaughlin/Etienne Mbappe/Gary Husband/Mark Mondesir: Recovery
14. John McLaughlin/Etienne Mbappe/Gary Husband/Mark Mondesir/Zakir Hussain: Mother Tongues
PRESS RELEASE
Seemingly from out of nowhere, New York-based guitarist-composer Chris Taylor has emerged after nearly 30 years on the scene with a brilliant, fully-realized first album as a leader. And though it's been a long time in coming, Nocturnal may be the most auspicious debut of the year.
Reflecting the influences of such potent bands as Weather Report, Tribal Tech and the Zawinul Syndicate, as well as such guitaristic icons as John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Allan Holdsworth, Taylor's compelling album also stakes out strikingly original territory. From cinematic offerings like “Voices in my Head," the atmospheric “All of Us" and the dreamy soundscape “Recluse" to super-charged jams like “Ear to the Rail," “Know What I'm Saying," “Odd Hours" and the anthemic “Here to There," Nocturnal resonates with audacious energy and ideas. Taylor is ably supported on his maiden voyage by a stellar crew featuring drummers Gary Novak, Dave Weckl, Joel Rosenblatt and Kirk Covington, keyboardists George Whitty and Scott Kinsey, bassists Ric Fierabracci and Gary Haase, and saxophonist Steve Tavaglione.
It was back in 1981 that Taylor left the Berklee College of Music after three semesters to begin his professional career, and he's been gigging ever since. “Basically, I ran out of money," says Taylor of his brief stint at Berklee. “The plan was to go gig for a while, make some money and then go back to Berklee. I ended up gigging for 20 years or so and never got back to school. And since then I've done every gig imaginable."
Over the years, Taylor has played on innumerable sessions as a sideman and even contributed his own compositions on some recordings. But he had never taken the time to put his own album together, until now. “I never thought of myself as a leader," says Taylor, “but I've been writing music forever, since before Berklee. Writing was something that I've always enjoyed. I like to do it more than playing guitar. I'm much happier composing, I think."
The composer acknowledges his debut to such fusion juggernauts as Weather Report live or the Zawinul Syndicate or even Tribal Tech on his debut outing. While tipping his hat to those powerful influences throughout Nocturnal, Taylor turns in some more personal statements on the stirring title track (imbued with his evocative slide guitar work), the evocative “Green Divided by Blue" (named for the composer's fascination with the impressionist painter Rothko) and the provocative “Bela" (which incorporates some samples from a George W. Bush speech). “I like to tell the story through sound," he says of those vivid pieces.
A triumph from start to finish, Nocturnal is an impressive introduction to this new 50-year-old face on the creative instrumental music scene.
Some cool stuff I've been listening to lately.
Striking debut from the killer modern jazz quartet of keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Matt Garrison, drummer Gary Novak, and vocalist/percussionist/secret weapon Arto Tuncboyacian. Imagine a neo-Weather Report sound with a strong 'world music' vibe. Great record. John McLaughlin guests on one track.
CAB's latest is a great heavy fusion disc recorded live in November 2010. With Tony MacAlpine on guitar, Bunny Brunel on bass, Virgil Donati on drums, and Dennis Hamm on keys.
Highly eclectic, almost cinematic jazz and fusion recording from the Chicago-based duo of Dani Rabin on guitar, and Danny Markovitch on sax. Cool stuff if you are looking for something different.
Mr. Big's first new album in 8 years features the return of the original lineup (with Paul Gilbert back on guitar). Great all-out rock record. Killer playing.
I'm leaving for North Carolina tonight to attend the Abstract Logix New Universe Music Festival. All of the top artists from the Abstract Logix Label will be there - John McLaughlin, Jimmy Herring, Alex Machacek, Wayne Krantz, Lenny White, Scott Kinsey, Ranjit Barot; the lineup is amazing. Percussionist Zakir Hussain will be making a special appearance as well, sitting in with McLaughlin - his old bandmate from Shakti. In addition to taking in the festivites, I'll be onsite conducting video interviews with the players for use on the DVD they are filming of the event. Be sure to follow me on Twitter for updates throughout this incredible weekend. Stay tuned!
