Jazz
On this unusual set, organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, with guitarist Doug Munro, and (on five of the 11 selections) tenor-saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman do the improbable. On Boogaloo to Beck: A Tribute, Smith takes a full set of songs by rock performer Beck and turns them into funky soul-jazz. In fact, the results often sound like a late-1960s Blue Note album. The individual selections are not all that memorable or inspiring (it is doubtful that any of these Beck tunes will catch on in jazz), but Smith and his bandmates play quite well and deserve credit for trying to come up with fresh material for their grooves.
By Scott Yanow. AMG.
**
Organist Lonnie Smith has a history of tribute recordings, including two honoring Jimi Hendrix, and one paying homage to John Coltrane. Those featured or co-billed guitarist John Abercrombie and tended to be more fusion affairs in the Larry Young mode. For his venture into the Beck repertoire he has brought aboard sax legend Dave "Fathead" Newman for a decidedly funkier approach. The set leans heavily on the young Hansen's Odelay tunes but manages to also include a smattering of songs from each of the artist's recordings. The harmonic and melodic limitations of the material are evident, but so too are its blues and funk roots. Beck's songwriting is all groove, attitude, and atmosphere making it ideal for the organ trio context. Drummer Lafrae Sci helps deepen the pocket, while triple-threat Doug Munro thickens the atmosphere as arranger/producer, and adds to the attitude with his tasteful and witty guitar work. These grease-meisters turn "New Pollution" into a stone shuffle, make "Devil's Haircut" more satanic, and often make the original recordings literally pale by comparison. As the honoree might say, this disc is "Where It's At."
By Michael Ross.
**
Dr. Lonnie Smith- (Hammond Organ);
David "Fathead" Newman- (Tenor Sax);
Doug Munro- (Guitar);
Lafrae Sci- (Drums).
**
01. Paper Tiger 9:38
02. Tropicalia 5:51
03. Mixed Buzness 8:20
04. The New Pollution 7:12
05. Devil's Haircut 8:23
06. Sexx Laws 6:58
07. Loser 3:16
08. Jack Ass 6:55
09. Where It's At 6:58
10. He's a Mighty Good Leader 5:29
11. Nobody's Fault 9:20
**
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