DIRTY AND BEAUTIFUL, VOLUME 1

When it comes to classic jazz fusion I usually prefer the 70s sound of distorted Gibsons and Mini-Moogs than today's faux digital 'is it a keyboard or guitar' type physical modeling sounds. Seems like the older fusion releases also had more soul, grit and melodic hooks than most of what came out after about 1978 or so. I'm happy to say that Gary Husband's 'Dirty and Beautiful' is a refreshing departure from your usual modern fusion disc in that Husband took the time to write some memorable melodies and he also keeps things interesting by varying the ensembles and musical styles of each cut. His use of varying ensembles and styles saves him from another typical curse of the modern fusion artist, a dulling sameness to all their tracks.

Although there are several classic fusion high speed guitar shred numbers on here featuring the likes of Allan Holdsworth and John McLaughlin, some of my favorite cuts on here are the more personal ones where Gary leaves the fusion formula behind and plays small chamber nu jazz with just a keyboard and one musical guest as an accompanist. If you are looking for a fusion record that may re-ignite your interest in the genre, this might be the one. Husband is excellent on drums and keyboards, he knows how to write strong melodies and he surrounds himself with a great rotating roster of fusion superstars to keep things interesting.

Why do I like jazz fusion as much as prog? First there is a lot of crossover in terms of composition but mainly I just love virtuoso musicians 'working out'. And that is what you get here, plenty of muscle flexing. Gary plays keys and drums equally amazingly although the emphasis is on drums. Let's face it he has some amazing friends along for the ride. One moment it's Holdsworth, next McLaughlin and then Trower and Hackett. Heaven. I wonder whether he ever gets them together at parties? 5 stars for fusion, but only 4 in the prog genre for obvious reasons. Great cover shot too of Gary's beloved Greyhound.