Jazz
Wow! What an incredible band! This is some of the best and most interesting fusion work I have heard in years. A band of pros. T Lavitz (ex-Dixie Dregs)and Jeff Berlin (ex-Bruford etc.) have joined forces with an amazing guitarist and the world's greatest drummer to revive the true fusion experience. I saw Jeff play in Clearwater with his three piece jazz group at an art gallery about 2 years ago. Only about 50 people in attendace! I sat on a folding chair only a few feet away from him watching him play and I was blown away. I only wished he was playing the music I've always loved so much - jazz/rock fusion! Not that the jazz was bad, it was great! But I have been a big fan of his especially from the old Bruford Band days. So it was quite surprising (and exciting) to me to hear him back playing this style of music. Not only that, he is working with Dennis Chambers, the most amazing drummer on the planet! Dennis is constantly working with a numerous musicians (Mike Stern, Santana, etc.) doing sessions as well as performing with bands like Niacin (By the way, Niacin will be performing at Nearfest 06!) featuring Billy Sheehan and John Novello. This is also one of the best T Lavitz performances on record! I just can't say enough good things about this band. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is into playing and also to fans of jazz/rock fusion.
By Russ Bellinger.
**
These four jazz fusion artists give Boston T Party something to crow about. Ten tracks mean ten instrumental conversations; the quartet’s original compositions are based in the blues, driven like fiery hard rock, and built upon the spontaneity of jazz.
Dave Fiuczynski breathes with expressive fire. The action of his electric guitar adds a distinctive voice to the session that´s filled with emotional depth and an easygoing demeanor. Dennis Chambers gives the session considerable force through his throbbing backbeats and consistent meters. He grabs hold of the unpredictable side of his bandmates journey and comes up with something tangible.
Similarly, Jeff Berlin pounds out a stomping rhythmic foundation that won´t give an inch. His driving punch comes complete with heavy sustains and throbbing bass lines that reach way down low. T Lavitz layers each composition with keyboard colors that match its intended mood. From raging screams to serene rural landscapes, he´s captured it all.
A portion of the program runs fast, while other sections move nice and slow. Deff 184 drives with fire in the eyes, giving everybody a powerful workout. Constant Comment, on the other hand, relies on repetition and a lengthy discourse on animated motion. The ensemble´s mechanical take gives it a steely texture. Fiuczynski strikes a free blues conversation on Around About Way and Great) Ball of Issues as he takes his wah-wah pedal to the max. There´s a ton of excitement in every note. Berlin´s Foxy Moron and I Hate the Blues offer a pleasant ride that comes laden with an inspiring rhythmic energy.
The quartet´s interpretation of Emotional Squalor midway through appropriately summarizes the session. Hearts go pounding and fingers fly. Chambers, Berlin, Fiuczynski, and Lavitz convincingly argue the role of fusion as they wrap dirty blues into a jam session that´s loaded with expressive rhythms and an undying force.
By Jim Santella.
**
T. Lavitz- Keyboards;
David Fiuczynski- Electric Guitar;
Jeff Berlin- Electric Bass;
Dennis Chambers- Drums.
**
01. D’funk’d
02. (Great) Ball Of Issues
03. Around About Way
04. I Hate The Blues...(But Here’s One Anyway)
05. All Thought Out
06. Emotional Squalor
07. Deff 184
08. Last Trane
09. Constant Comment
10. Foxy Morons
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