SNAKEHIPS ETCETERA

Coming off the wonderful "Under the Sun" album Nucleus leaned itself down to a mere six with Carr, Bob Bertles (sax), Ken Shaw (guitar), Geoff Castle (keys), Roger Sutton (bass), and Roger Sellers (drums). Here Carr wanted to do something "outrageous" both in the sensuous content of the music itself and in the less-than-PC album cover. Then there is the back photo plate which could be used at a feminist website regarding the objectification of women, nearly (but not quite) a Spinal Tap "Smell the Glove" moment. Then again, considering how women are treated these days by certain recording "artists" the Nucleus art is pretty tame. Alyn Shipton recalls in the liner notes that this album was released at a time when Nucleus was touring constantly "taking the music to the people." He apparently developed an ulcer worrying about the money side as the tours were not advanced funds and money was tight until the gigs started generating the cash flow. It certainly is obvious to me that they were touring a lot during this time as it shows in the quality of the music. This album has a live, jamming feel to it..the band is tight and grooving. I liked the album more than many of the reviews I've read about it. It is true this album is more funked up rocking and less nuanced than the previous fine work but it remains one hell of a good time. There's tons of playful energy here and they pull out all the stops, laying the goods on thick and heavy. Restraint is out the window and why not?

"Rat's Bag" was written by Bob Bertles and the funky opening announces that this album will be a bit different than the previous. The groove is pretty infectious with Sutton's awesome bass paired with Shaw's distinct guitar. The tune features a catchy sort of "instrumental chorus" that repeats between bouts of brass solos. "Alive and Kicking" was penned by bassist Sutton. Thick, spooky bass lines open with Carr injecting distressed calls. Eventually they find a groove and everyone makes good use of it. If there is one disappointment for me on Snakehips it is that I miss Bryan Spring's drop-dead amazing drumming.his replacement Roger Sellers is adequate but a bit less exciting. "Rachel's Tune" written by keyboardist Castle sees bass/rhythm laying down a consistent mid-gear backing, a bit funky but a bit stoic as well, for the horns to runs with. They'll drop off half-way through as Castle takes his keyboard solo. The title track is next starting slow and sexy before pausing to regroup.a very cool spacious section unfolds with each member throwing licks into the melting pot with only the drumming running consistent. Really nice. This approach continues and the free form aspect works well because you feel the players listening and reacting, a conversation develops between each member rather than a more song-oriented blend of instruments. Everyone really shines on this one, I especially liked Castle's injections which seemed perfectly judged. It builds for 10 minutes before gently closing the door with Sellers' drums mimicking a heartbeat. "Pussyfoot" pairs Carr with Bertles on flute for a springy melody that sounds like a "love is in the air" pronouncement. "Heydey" closes with a change of pace, a more sober and reflective feel using acoustic guitar and holding down the sassy for a while. The bass and acoustic guitar will slowly weave towards a final energetic ending when the horns arrive. Bertles delivers a smoking solo in the mid section. PC or not, "Snakehips Etc" will be a proud addition to my admittedly meek (but growing) jazz-fusion genre collection. I loved it. My impression of Mr. Carr is that he is less dry than others in the genre, more interested in providing the listener an enjoyable time and enjoying himself as well. I feel the music here successfully captures the themes they were writing about as well as the previous album did, it's just that perhaps the themes are more light-hearted here. Recommended by this jazz non-expert. Under 4 stars but enough to round up.

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