Orenda Records artist: Dean Mucetti - Isolate//Integrate - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Isolate//Integrate , from Dean Mucetti and it's a cool funk soaked fusion release. Opening with Steps West , inspired by Coltrane's Giant Steps, has a firm, James Brown rhythm driven by Dean Mucetti and Miguel Ortiz on bass. Brian Hargrove on keys lays down the melody, joined by Dore Wallace and Jon Aparicio on guitars and Alex Williams on piano. Improvising over a central theme, a very cool jam. The Covid lockdown inspired, Licking Myself , referring to bandmembers licking their wounds from isolation. This track employs rhythmic and harmonic structure looping, expanded with an aggressive bass line and creative piano and keys interplay. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Got Lush based on Billy Strayhorn's Lush Life, with a straight up drum rhythm, overlaid with a funky bass line by Ortiz, funky guitar rhythms by Wallace and Aparicio and complex rhythmic interjections by Williams on piano and Hargrove on keys. ...