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notes from the underground

Due to my love of the unpredictable and the piano, “Uncle Chubb” from “Notes from the Underground” 1992 on Amulet Records, is right up my alley.

Fusion, free jazz group Medeski, Martin and Wood have a deserved reputation for all of that and more which is typified by this track.

Their affinity for the atonal and seemingly dissonant melody and key signature makes this jam a true journey of musical revelation.

The personnel include: John Medeski - piano, Billy Martin - drums and Chris Wood - bass.

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CAB 4

I love the overall old school vibe of this tune. Somewhat reminiscent of Jeff Lorber’s pre-commercial days.
Jam and Toast from the album CAB 4 2003 is more edgy than Jeff, but not as cosmic as Return to Forever.
A more comfortable mix I’ve not heard in a while.
It is simultaneously up-tempo and laid back, and all the cats get a chance to express themselves.
And what a lineup.

The main cats are: Tony MacAlpine-guitar, Bunny Brunel-bass, Dennis Chambers-drums, and Brian Auger-keyboards(my man! can you believe it?), and special guest Patrice Rushen.
The tune is bass groove and guitar riff driven, yet not annoyingly so. Which is not to discount the amazing counterpoint contributions of Brian and Patrice, while Dennis is holding it down on the snare and high hat.
CAB is clearly one of the best jazz-fusion groups of the new millenium!

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Track listing:
Hold On
One for the Road;
Shizuka;
Tony Mac;
Raymond;
BB’s Rhumba;
Bass Ackward;
Cloud 10;
Alphonse;
Jam & Toast;
Dede.

Personnel:
Tony MacAlpine, electric guitars, keyboards

Bunny Brunel, electric basses, keyboards, percussion loops

Dennis Chambers, drums

Brian Auger, B3 organ, keyboards

Patrice Rushen, piano, Rhodes, keyboards

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palmystery

I love listening to some of today’s artists’ interpretation of fusion.
I’ve just recently got into “Sifu” by Victor Wooten, while listening to internet radio.
A friend hipped me to Bela Fleck, for whom Wooten played bass, so I knew of him.
Based on songs brief opening commentary and the fact that he is a martial artist, we’re led to the Chinese meaning of “Sifu” as teacher, and this tune is an ode in some way.

Nevertheless, this tune from the 2008 album “Palmystery” is a jam.
From the haunting background vocals, wailing guitar and sax. To Wooten’s dynamic, staccato bass plucking, you’re taken on an avante-garde fusion journey.
This alone may imply him having been passed the bass player baton from Stanley and Jaco. Enjoy!

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Hear more cats like this

Personnel:

Victor Wooten (vocals, bass instrument, bass guitar, fretless bass, hand claps, drum programming);

Amir Ali (vocals, lute, violin, darabukka);

Joseph Wooten (vocals, piano, organ, keyboards);

Richard Bona (vocals, percussion);

Chuck Rainey,

Sifu Brian Edwards, Dorothy Wooten, Doug Woodard, The Woodard Family, Daniel Hunt, Derrick Lee, Alvin Chea, Saundra Williams, Adam Wooten, Holly Wooten, Kaila Wooten, Keith Lee (vocals);

Regi Wooten (guitar, bass guitar);

Alvin Lee ,

Mike Stern (guitar);

Keb’ Mo’ (slide guitar);

Roosevelt “The Doctor” Collier (pedal steel guitar);

Eric Silver (mandolin, violin);

Howard Levy (harmonica);

Rudy Wooten,
Shawn “Thunder” Wallace (alto saxophone);

Jeff Coffin (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone);

Karl Denson (tenor saxophone);

Rod McGaha (trumpet);

Barry Green (trombone);

Neal Evans (organ);

Dane Bryant (keyboards);

Anthony Wellington, Alvin “Lil’ Al” Cordy, Anthony “Flex” Wellington, John Billings (bass guitar);
Steve Bailey (fretless bass);
JD Blair, Earl “Big E” Walker, Dennis Chambers, Raymond Massey, Will Kennedy, Derico Watson (drums);
James Jackson (congas);
Roy Wooten (cajon drums, shaker, hand claps);
Darrell Tibbs (percussion).

1. 2 Timers
2. Cambo
3. I Saw God
4. Lesson, The
5. Left, Right & Center
6. Sifu
7. Miss U - (with The Lee Boys)
8. Flex
9. Gospel, The
10. Song For My Father
11. Happy Song
12. Us 2