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review by Bill Binkelman Hutch is a jazz/funk fusion ensemble, fronted by electric/acoustic guitarist Lewis Hutcheson. On Soundtrack For Wandering Minds, the assorted musicians (there are sixteen listed in the liner notes!), serve up tasty fusion instrumental music that is tinted with retro touches (electric piano, Hammond organ, plenty of funky synth lines) while also being firmly rooted in contemporary musicianship. In addition, there is the presence of unexpected twists and turns within individual tracks, where the listener might suddenly be caught off-guard (albeit pleasantly) by an unusual choice of percussion, a strange course-change in melody or genre, or a juxtaposition of elements. All of it adds up to an adventurous, yet accessible, jazz fusion recording that pushes envelopes without wandering into experimental noodling territory. Things start off with the rocking fusion of "frisellian jelly," and its mixture of mellow rhythm guitar with soaring lead lines, anchored by solid bass, drums, and organ riffing in the background. "third hour" surprises with its subdued opening of acoustic guitar and evolves into haunting Native-wooden flute (from Alex Coke), floating on top of percolating tabla beats and thumping bass. Snaky sensual Hammond organ (from Red Young) complements the track with an undercurrent of mystery and sultriness. Before it's over, though, the song shifts gears as Hutcheson's acoustic guitar takes center stage, featuring his adroit fingerwork which turns the song into a lively flute-driven jazz fest, courtesy of Alex Coke once again. "Pachunga" is primo fusion music, colored by spacy synth background effects, smooth jazz-ish guitar licks, and wonderfully retro electric piano (I'm guessing from Doug Hall) which gives a nice '70s feel to the song. I do love the sound of a Fender Rhodes, man. There is a lot of solid work here, done by all the artists who contributed to this recording. From the struttin' funk of "new york," (which brings to mind vintage Brecker Brothers), featuring Ephram Owen's tasty trumpet work and Hutcheson's funked up wah-wah guitar licks, to the synth vibe intro of "monk's mallady," a song that bounces around dancing and prancing in lively fashion propelled by great bass lines and more delicious electric piano, as well as solid drum kit work from Brannen Temple and more tasty guitar licks from band leader Hutcheson. "bears" presents a new age type of jazz fusion, graced by acoustic guitar, triangle, keyboards and an uptempo (but not too much) rhythm section of bass and drums (imagine Craig Chaquico getting some real chops and leaving his "smoothness" behind). The album closes with the light-hearted bluesy "ditty gone wild," an overture to fun and whimsy, decked out in acoustic guitar riffing all over the place - a juxtaposition of rural ass-kicking bluegrass and lightning fast blues fingering. Don't mistake Soundtrack for Wandering Minds for commercially accessible smooth jazz, although there is nothing experimental or non-accessible here. Instead, the album serves up inviting melodies, catchy rhythms and appealing hooks that will surprise you with their innovation, ingenuity and imagination, without leaving you scratching your head wondering what the hell you just heard. In short, this kind of fusion music is rare these days, but Hutcheson and company have reminded me how much fun and excitement can still be wrought from rather "ordinary" instruments when they are handled by musicians who have style and virtuosity, as well as the "know how" to bring them both into play in unique ways. Recommended. |
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