What’s been spinning on the turntable and in the CD player? Allow me to share it with you. These aren’t formal reviews … just thoughts that come along for the ride.

SOURCE, Emergence (2023). Having spent time on the road with this Colorado-based band, I’ve become more than a little familiar with its music. Even if I knew what was coming, there was one common denominator: I was looking forward to hearing it.

There’s no questioning the influence Tool has over this power trio. But the music is far from derivative. The band’s influences are a jumping-off point, nothing more. Benjamin Gleason’s guitar parts are arguably more melodic and less based in raw aggression. Pascal Faurie’s bass lines start from even lower notes on the staff. And Justin Mirarck’s drums tend to have more mid-staff fills. Gleason’s singing voice lilts and pleads not out of desperation, but demand. Pay attention! You’re listening to something special!

https://listentosource.bandcamp.com/album/emergence

DOMINIQUE VANTOMME, Vegir (2018). Keyboardist Dominique Vantomme leads a top-flight roster of musicians — including bassist Tony Levin — through eight gloriously existential “comprovisations“ (my word for improvised compositions) that stretch music farther than most people are willing to dare. Chemistry is key in bands like this, and this group definitely has it. Not the easiest thing to do when you don’t play together regularly. Some records are difficult to describe without listening to the music. So, go and do that!

https://dominiquevantomme.bandcamp.com/album/vegir-hd

STANLEY CLARKE, School Days (1976). This is one of those essential jazz fusion albums, led by one of the giants of the genre and featuring a legendary song that happens to be the title track. Stanley Clarke once said, “Every bassist should learn how to play ‘School Days.’” And he’s right! It seems like when it comes to seventies fusion bassists, the camps are divided between Clarke and Jaco Pastorius. Here’s a tip: listen to and appreciate BOTH of them. This is a great place to start.

MIKE STERN, Standards (and Other Songs) (1992). You can recognize Mike Stern’s guitar tone from a mile away. So, it’s great to hear that tone weave its way through a set of jazz classics that Stern bends to his will. Gently. Of course I was here for his take on “Jean-Pierre,” a tune Stern played with Miles Davis in the eighties. I wasn’t disappointed. That the rest of the record was just as good or better is an added bonus. Give it a go!

DAVID BOWIE, A Reality Tour (2005). As much as I hate going to concerts in rooms larger than a small theater, I would’ve given in to catch this tour. The setlist is comprehensive, the band is on fire, and David Bowie is in top form and having a blast! Energy becomes tangible as the band sends it out into the audience and it comes right back to them! Sit down, dig in, and play it loud!

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed, please contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com