One of the biggest lost classics from the jazz/rock fusion genre finally sees the light of day on CD. From what guitarist Tolonen and Co. have created is a record that is in the vein of Dixie Dreggs, MVP, Frank Gambale, Happy the Man, and even Chick Corea's "Electric Band", fusing metallic guitar shedding with saxes, pianos (both acoustic and electric), fretless basses and an overall progressive substance that helped blueprint many jazz/rock and jazz/metal fusion aficionados.
JTB is an album that goes all over the place while coming into full circle with the jam sessions. Whether referring to the driving rock of "
Riven Cocos," "
Space Cookie" where the screaming sax takes prominence, the funk influenced "
Arka Haiven," or the groove laden "
Dancing Bear" the album showcases a wide range of styles. Soloing, from all instruments takes the place of where a singer would often sing, but yet there is this high level of improvisation that comes into play, but not to far in experimental or "Zappa" territories; it's much more easier on the ears, even the time signature transitions and key changes go along smoother than most jazz-fusion records, but yet there is a lot of energy harness and unleashed on this record.
Rounding out there is a lot of dry production on the album, where all the instrumentation is brought up front in the mix rather than being lost in reverb and the guitar tone of Tolonen rages from crunch to clean, depending on the song. Very much filled with excellent compositions and catchy riffs and melodies
JTB undoubtedly aligns itself along with some of the big albums in jazz-fusion. Better late than never.
Written by
Hashman Monday, October 10, 2005
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