CD Review: http://zzaj.freehostia.com/index.htm
The Burr Johnson Band – >WHAT IT IS: This CD is bound to hit the streets running… I want to say that this is our “first listen” to Burr’s smashing guitar-thistry, but I’m sure I’d be in error, since he’s played with Spyro Gyra, Ray Charles, B.B. King & a whole host of other “names” in the jazz/funk arena.
I can tell you, without qualification, that he is one of the funkiest (& most exciting) players I’ve listened to in many, MANY years… while his guitar leads will scorch your ears, the crisp & punctual drums from Thierry Arpino & heavy phonk bass from Al Payson will have you itchin’ to get up on your feet & MOVE that THANG!
You can watch the band perform “Slinky’s Big Brother” or “Ol Factory ” at YouTube… but for much better sound quality, you’ve just GOT to get this CD! I’m sure that my impression of this trio was jump-started by the fact that they play all originals, but it’s also because they’re able to revive a spirit that was prevalent in the early ’60’s… not just “adventure”, but “discovery” & the sense that there IS hope… maybe Obama should use “Ol Factory” (my favorite on the CD – it’s funky, but also sophisticated) as backing for his early Presidential speeches from the Oval Orifice!
The keyword for this album is clearly “uplifting”, & in these hard times, we all need to lift our eyes up towards the hope & promise music like Burr & band offer.
This gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as well as the “PICK” of the year for “funkiest jazz on the planet”… THIS one stays in the .mp3 player forEVER,
<>volkz! Rotcod Zzaj aka Dick Metcalf