DROP KICK

This album, Drop kick, is a tasty combination of be-bop jazz and funk rhythms, all topped with the fine alto sax soloing of Steve Coleman. The songs, all but one written by Coleman, are primarily funk rhythms with peculiar, avant-garde melodies popping in and out. As noted, Coleman's soloing permeates the album, but there are also some great performances by guitarist David Gilmore (no, not that guy, I said "Gilmore") and keyboardists Andy Milne and James Weidman.

The best track on the album is Bates Motel. As it's title implies, it's a eerie piece with spooky keyboard washes and not a walking, but a limping lumbering bass line that Coleman solos over effortlessly.

This band has a unique sound and style, something very difficult in the major label jazz world. The fusion aficianato should check them out.