I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, This Is Now, by Pete Mills and it's hot! Opening with title track, This Is Now, tenor sax player, Pete Mills lays out the melody, punctuated by Kenny Banks jr. on piano and Matt Wilson on drums. Wilson digs in with his first solo and he is really cooking with Martin Wind on bass driving hard and active drum action by Wilson. Banks Jr. lays down a solid groove of his own and Pete McCann on guitar really sails, making this a dynamite opener. Laying back a bit, Daddies has a real nice, soulful melody with Mills leading the way on sax. Really settling into the groove Mills double times his phrasing before handing off to Banks Jr. who floats on the groove. A meaty solo by Wind on bass is punctuated by Wilson on tom tom. Very nice. Exit Strategy is a contemporary jazz track with a more eccentric rhythm. Mills and Wilson really set it up and Banks Jr. takes one of his most exciting piano rides on the release. McCann takes a hard right with overdriven guitar tones giving the track a real fusion sound. Very cool. Window Shopping is a real slinky track featuring first Mills on sax, crafting the melody with a minimal of bass and drums in support. So nice and soulful, it almost seems effortless, with broken rhythm accents by Wilson adding real texture. Wind takes the second leg on solo with excellent hands and Wilson's percussion taken town to cymbal only. Joining back with Mills the melody is restated. Very nice. Latin flavored, Sliver of Silver showcases Mills and Banks Jr., really cruising and fluid soloing by McCann on electric guitar with excellent rhythmic anchor by Wind and Wilson. Funky, Boubar, really moves with Mills kicking it hard over Wind and Wilson's bottom and McCann adds fanning guitar riffs adding to the percussive nature of the track. Nice. Wrapping the release is U.M.M.G., a short duet with Wilson and Mills in tribute to Mills' father. With easy brush strokes by Wilson, Mills crafts a rich, soulful melody that seems to float on the air. Solid closer.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening
No comments:
Post a Comment