Nice View (Vectordisc) is the debut release from
Philadelphia-based guitarist
Ray Ferretti. It's an ambitious collection
of original fusion instrumentals that run the gamut from heavy,
riff-based tunes to lighter jazzy fare. Ferretti provides all the
guitar, bass, and drum loops on the album, and plays some keyboards as
well. Joining Ferretti are co-producer Richard Burton on Keys, Ron
Thomas on Keys, Jonas Aras on Piano, and Devan Andre on Flute.
While
Ferretti is a fine player - well-versed in jazz harmony and smooth
legato techniques - his writing skills are probably his greatest
strength. Compositionally, the majority of
Nice View is geared
towards a modern fusion-vibe, and when Ferretti really hits the mark
with that style - as he does with "On and On" for example - the results
are as strong and realized as something you might hear on, say, a CAB
album. I'm certain if Ferretti's band featured a live rhythm section, he'd be able to hit that mark more consistently -
especially if their skills were on par with his or Richard Burton's
abilities. Still, that Ferretti was able to craft an album of often
complex fusion music without the luxury of a fleshed out band is quite
impressive.
In addition to "On and On," tracks such as "Meet My Mind" and "Not Shore" are further examples of standout fusion. These are high-octane tunes,
loaded with convoluted sixteenth-note lines - often doubled with the
synth - and great improv (Ron Thomas' solo on "Meet My Mind" is one of
the album's highlights). There's more than just fusion on
Nice View
however - "Seven Heaven" is a fine acoustic jazz piece, while "Song For
Elizabeth" is a pure ballad that utilizes Devan Andre's flute playing
to great effect.
When is comes to guitar tones, Ferretti employs
a high-gain distorted sound on most of the tracks, but he sounds
stronger to me when he chooses a lighter tone, as he does for
"Something Beautiful Something Not" or "Husband and Wife." His solos
breath a bit more on these tracks, due in large part to the snappy,
dynamic tones he employs.
Nice View is an impressive feat
for Ray Ferretti. This album obviously took a lot of hard work and
dedication, though next time around, I'd like to see him throw his
music at a monster rhythm section and see the results.
Ray Ferretti - Nice View (Vectordisc)
Personnel:
Ray Ferretti - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Drum Loops
Richard Burton - Keyboards
Ron Thomas - Keyboards, Piano
Jonas Aras - Piano
Devan Andre - Flute
Tracklisting:
1. Meet My Mind
2. Hive Got It
3. Slow Day
4. Something Beautiful Something Not
5. Not Shore
6. Nice View
7. Sonik Funk
8. Confused and Alert
9. Husband and Wife
10. On and On
11. One Way Out
12. Seven Heaven
13. Eye Don't Know
14. Song for Elizabeth
15. Kinda Blue Too (jam)
16. Just Kidding
Rich
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