js Marbin is one of the more interesting jazz influenced instrumental rock bands to come along in a while. On their second album, “Breaking the Cycle”, they combine lyrical melodies with a touch of jazzy improv to create an eclectic smorgasbord of instrumental colors. Although quite capable of rockin out when called upon, Marbin’s songs tend to focus on strong melodies that are often sentimental in nature, but never cloying or maudlin. The difference between Marbin and other instrumental rock bands with a 70s style sensitive side is that Marbin’s two leaders have considerable jazz level instrumental skills. Guitarist Dani Rabin can fly on the fret board, but often uses the modern melodic devices known to expressive guitarists like Steve Vai and Oz Noy. Even more impressive is the fleet fingered saxophone work of Danny Markovitch who has a sweet Paul Desmond like sound on the alto, and a very pretty and refined oboe like sound on the soprano that may remind some of Wayne Shorter’s work with Weather Report.

A large part of this album is given to ballad like melodic pieces which gives Marbin an almost nostalgic sound reminiscent of early progressive rock artists like Focus and Phil Manzenera. Fortunately melody is a strong point with this band and their tunes are never cliché and usually develop in bold and interesting ways. Aside from the melodic pieces, Danni Rabin plays intense guitar solos on the industrial blues-rocker “Bar Stomp”, and the whole band takes flight on the African flavored thunderous groove piece, “Loopy”.

Fans of jazzy instrumental rock will find a lot to like here. Marbin’s music is often mellow and reflective, but never sappy, plus they never sound like new age hucksters either. This band’s two lyrical leaders play with a very polished sensitivity and virtuosity that lifts this band far beyond the cliché and mundane.

kev rowland Guitarist Dani Rabin and saxophonist Danny Markovitch started playing together in their native Israel in 2007, then after relocating to Chicago released their debut album in 2009. This gained them a lot of critical attention and they were asked to collaborate with 7-time Grammy winner and former Pat Metheny Group drummer, Paul Wertico on his album ‘Impressions of a City’. The trio decided that they had a special chemistry together and that they wanted to keep playing and Paul brought in his former bandmate and current Pat Metheny Group bassist, Steve Rodby, to complete the line-up. What I like so much about this album is the sheer diversity of styles, and at times it is hard to comprehend that not only is it the same band but all from the same album as musically they are all over the place, which makes it fun not only for them but also to those playing the album.

Take “Mom’s Song” for example, this contains some scat vocals and is gentle and restrained, but is followed by “Bar Stomp” which is a “Minnie The Moocher” with dirty guitars and plenty of emotion. The first time I played it I had to check what I was listening to as it is just so different to what is before and what follows. There is some wonderfully distorted and fuzzed guitar and slide guitar and a laid-back feel that just brings a smile to the face. But for all the times when they swap leads, moving through lots of different styles and antics, it is the very last song on the album that I have found myself returning to. In many ways it is the simplest, and is the only other song to feature vocals, but Daniel White has a commanding presence and the arrangement provided for “Winds of Grace” is perfect. In a perfect world this acoustic ballad would be top of the charts worldwide, and the sax would be seen as providing additional class with its’ simple presence. But I guess this will just be our secret.

A wonderful album from start to the end. www.moonjune.com