IRRATIONAL NUMBERS

I finally got a hold of another copy of this album!! The Mathematicians are a great fusion band from the midwest that were shortlived, but did manage to put out 2 albums. I have yet to hear the 2nd album, but the 1st one, IRRATIONAL NUMBERS is brimming with great fusion ideas from the opening track SPANISH MAIN and even the 2nd track, DANCE OF THE NILE, you get the idea that this is a confident group of fusion musicians with tools to express their ideas. But for me the jewel of this album is the track RAIN. I love this tune and can't get enough of it. What I like about it mostly is the focus on Eddie Humphrey's bass playing which seems to be heavily influenced by Berrie Oakley of Allman Brothers fame. When I listen to this track I feel the same way I do when I space out to the Allman Brothers MOUNTAIN JAM, I feel like I'm in a car going for an extended drive on some route somewhere off the beaten path. I highly recommend this album for prog fusioners who like a hint of alllman brothers in their fusion.

US short-lived Prog/Fusion band which released only two album during the 90's.They were formed in 1988 by drummer Kevin Kouts and guitarist Larry McCullough. Mathematicians were majorly a studio band and played live only in rare occasions.Their debut ''Irrational Numbers'' was released in 1994 on Aljabr Records.

The overall style is fiery guitar-based Fusion with melodic touches.Larry McCullough prooves to be a talented guitarist,his playing is very energetic,aggresive and powerful but also it turns right after into melodic or atmospheric lines.Kevin Kouts is also a very gifted drummer,the drumming is solid and dynamic all the way.Keyboard work by Bob Fields is somewhat incosistent.Most of the time his keys deliver dreamy background soundscapes,but some of the synth work is quite ''plastic'',a typical sound of the era.All tracks change from groovy,furious Fusion to virtuosic but balanced solos and,without being anything trully captivating,manage to grab your attention till the end.Nevertheless the album is too short regarding the time of its release,clocking at less than 35 minutes.

''Irrational Numbers'' is a quite enjoyable listening,anyone after bands like UZEB,4 FRONT or HELMET OF GNATS will know exactly what to expect.A warmly recommended effort by a a lost in time and certainly forgotten quintet.