Will Bernard and Motherbug - Will Bernard and Motherbug

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Free Music Notes for Will Bernard and Motherbug

Free Music Review: Funky, edgy and original
Hit: 5 Stars

The tone of this album is generally upbeat and bouncy, and almost every tune is very danceable, unlike the dark and brooding "Medicine Hat" recorded in 1998. In addition to Bernard's sparse, yet exciting, keyboardist Michael Bluestein rips several excellent solos, which should be heavy listening for organists like myself. He makes a great showing on this record, and has to, following the excellent performance by Rob Burger on "Hat."

The downsides of this album are that it is not very rhythmically varied compared to Bernard's previous work; Jan Jackson's drumming owes more to the stylings of Dennis Chambers and Clyde Stubblefied than Tony Williams or Jack DeJohnette, like Bernard's former drummer, Scott Amendola (who also shines on T.J. Kirk and some of Charlie Hunter's records.) The result is a four-on-the-floor, funky feel which some listeners may prefer. Also, the production of the record lacks the gritty feel that Lee Townsend lent to "Hat," and at times slightly approaches an acid/smooth jazz sound.

If you like your jazz in the pocket and your funk cut with great improvisation and composition, this is the band for you. Not quite as good as "Medicine Hat," for my tastes, but an awesome, fresh record nonetheless.

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