GARY HUSBAND

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.

8 weeks into the year, and here's the first album that could be my jazz fusion album of the year, come December.2012 The combination of a cornucopia of major jazz guitarists, playing some pretty damned good tunes, in some powerful arrangements, and all the guys playing at the top of their individual forms, means this is must for fusion fans. It also (perhaps) provides an excellent sampler to the curious to find where jazz fusion is right now. Dirty & Beautiful Volume 1 was a joy but tanatalised as to where some of these musical line-ups could go; here, Volume 2 provides some indications of objectives. Husband's long experience in the musical industry, means several collaborations are with friends but there are also new collaborations (current members of the Abstract Logix stable), so I get the sense that Husband is in personal 7th heaven. But the variety of fusion styles offered here, does make me curious to hear Husband playing with others, such a Scott McGill.......so Volume 3 please.

While trying to avoid any negative comments for album that has thrilled me, I predict there will be those critics who will complain that with Gary playing with different line-up on virtually every track found across Volumes 1 and 2, which one actually represents the modern day Gary Husband? One response I offer: Gary is touring to Jim Mullen about now, and bet you won't hear anything similar to the playing on Volume2. Gary Husband as a drummer and keyboardist is most versatile, so expect the unexpected.

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.

NOTE: This review reflects my initial reaction to listening to an album for the first time this morning, and knowing I have to at least flag up my most positive reactions to listening to 4 tracks in some detail to let other folk into this genre be aware of this record. More will be added when I digested it more fully - because of its complexity this will take a little time.

My immediate reaction having sampling several tracks of this album and then settled down to listen some in more detail, is that these interpretations are even better than those on Gary's 'Things You See'. However, clearly the intellectual input and no doubt sweat employed to produce this album of interpretations of McLaughlin compositions and Gary's own compositions inspired by McLaughlin's work, will take me a lot longer to absorb fully. I sampled in greater detail (this first time around) 'Are You the One' (no ditto??), 'Celestrial terrestial' and 'Maya Dance' because of my familarity and wonder how these originally heavy rhythmic tunes would be treated? The three grabbed me by the balls by not lifting anything wholesale from the originals but having retained some essence of the originals taking the themes into quite some new contexts.

When I first heard Chick Corea's 'Piano Improvision' set for ECM in the early 70's, when I was into a Debussy/Ravel thing, I first heard the early 20th century French impressionist composers coming through in Chick's improvs. But Gary's interpretation of McLaughlin owes nothing obvious to any serious composer in my record collection, although in my ignorance I have to say some pieces have a strindency heard from a few late 20th/ 21st century classically trained pianists (e.g the Labecque sisters). Since the rhythmic nature of the majority of MO arrangements is very hard to escape, Gary's conservative use of overdubbing of percussive rapping of the piano's soundboard, is a delight.

One track caught my ear with some amusement because of its brevity. There is a touch of genius on Gary's part in taking one theme from a personal favourite, the long jazz jam of McLaughlin/(Brecker)'s 'Jazz Jungle' and have it last less than 60 seconds. What this conjured up in my mind was something parallelling a microscopic close-up of one particular snowflake with an intriguing crystalline structure, and following its movement in isolation to the rest of the blizzard going round it in slo-mo.

At first listen: nother remarkable album from Mr Husband.

PS. A challenge: hybridising elements of the two 'One Words', found respectively on a the Lifetime recordings 'e.g. a bonus track on the 'Turn It Over' CD or the original UK cheapo Lifetime sampler LP and that found on MO's 'Birds Of Fire'.

— First review of this album —

Gary Husband has been around the block and back again as a drummer, composer, and piano player. His FORCE MAJEURE is an awesome combination world of jazz-fusion talent. Joining him on this entertaining two DVD set are a few of the heavyweights of the jazz-rock-fusion world, Randy Brecker (trumpet) and Jerry Goodman (violin), who played with revered MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA and John McLaughlin. Husband is an incredibly diverse musician and obviously gets the respect he deserves from his peers. It is evident with the talent that he attracts to his projects.

"Live At The Queen Elizabeth Hall-London" is an amazing work of genius in progress. The improvisation and accuracy of every performance is notable throughout each set. On Disc 1 Husband pays homage to his influences in a three-part suite titled "Evocations." Burt Bacharach, Bjork and John McLaughlin are the recipients of his respect, dictated in the most beautiful of musical representations. The second set is brilliant as well featuring seven original compositions by Husband. Husband is a whirling dervish on stage jumping from his drums to the piano then to the front of the stage to conduct the brass section all in one composition. I cannot say I have ever witnessed anything like this before. I noticed subtle nuances such as Husband coaxing an unusual sound from his drums by licking one finger then running it down a drumhead. You may think that this is inconsequential but when you have an entire ensemble doing similar things, it is like musical combustion, and quite wonderful I must say. The first disc offers a collection of bonus audio tracks to enjoy after taking in all the visual treats, all in marvelous surround sound.

Arto Tuncboyaciyan is a joy to watch perform. He works with assorted percussive instruments, and unusual ones such as an old boiling pot for cooking and a half-full bottle of beer. He uses the pot as a drum and a small amount of water inside to get a sound similar to someone playing a saw. The use of a bottle is another matter entirely. Arto makes interesting bird sounds that make you feel like you are in the middle of the Rainforest not a concert hall in England. He most certainly adds a rich indefinable world tone to the overall sound of the band. Then of course, the legendary Randy Brecker on trumpet makes it a smooth ride for everyone while his counterpart Elliot Mason is right alongside him and a real force as well on bass trumpet and trombone. Mason has a wonderful tone and rhythm. Husband mentioned in an interview that he discovered Mason through a friend that sent him a cassette tape! The incomparable Jerry Goodman on electric violin gives this music its progressive feel. I find it hard to believe that Goodman had been inactive before Husband called upon him. His playing is vital and I can see what an important cog in the wheel he was for McLaughlin. The bass player is a real fireplug named Matthew Garrison. He plays so effortlessly, watching his fingers is like observing a butterfly flit about in joy. Garrison has also played with the likes of McLaughlin and Hancock to name a few, and has many solo albums available. Now to the all-important keyboards.Jim Beard steps up and does a phenomenal job with his tasks, which are daunting to say the least, with all of the odd time signatures going on around him he manages to play timely and gracefully. Simply put, everyone performs commendably during this performance.

This is a real treat for fans of jazz-fusion and progressive rock. The music is complex, mesmerizing and above all original and unique. That fact alone should have you seeking out this DVD set immediately.

Rating: 9/10

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

August 19, 2005