Carmel
Hey there, music aficionados and fellow seekers of sonic adventure! Today, we're diving headfirst into the vibrant world of contemporary fusion with none other than Jeff Lorber's latest offering, "The Drop." Lorber has an insatiable appetite for groove sounds, and my hope is you will be inspired to explore them for yourself after reading this article.
Let's kick things off by exploring the playing on "The Drop." From the moment you hit play, it's abundantly clear that you're going to hear some seriously talented musicians. Jeff Lorber, alongside longtime collaborator Jimmy Haslip (bass), leads the charge with their trademark finesse and virtuosity. Lorber's keyboard work is mesmerizing, effortlessly gliding between smooth melodies and funky, rhythmic chordal grooves. Haslip's basslines provide a rock-solid foundation, locking in with the groove's feel with impeccable precision.
But the charmed sounds continue with the supporting cast of players on this album. From Gary Novak's dynamic drumming to the soulful saxophone stylings of Randal Clark, each musician brings their A-game to the table, elevating Lorber's compositions to new heights.
Speaking of compositions, Lorber truly shines as an architect of sound on "The Drop." Each track is meticulously crafted with a focus on texture and emotion, seamlessly interlacing together elements of jazz, funk, and R&B into a cohesive sonic chronicle.
Take "New Mexico," for example. The sultry horn hooks and Marc Lettieri's lead and rhythm guitar, anchored by Cornelius Mims' infectious bass groove, transport you to a smoky jazz club in the heart of the Southwest. Meanwhile, Lorber's nimble keyboard work dances atop the rhythm section with effortless grace, painting a vivid musical portrait that is exhilarating.
Turning our attention to "Hang Tight," the track unfolds with a laid-back groove that firmly nestles itself in the pocket, exuding a sensual allure that's hard to resist. Here, the percussive finesse of Lettieri's guitar lays a textured foundation, against which Lorber's keyboard melody and solos surge forward with dynamic vigor. Lettieri, with his exquisite touch, opts for taste over flash—his solos are melodic and prioritize depth of feel over flash. Haslip's six-string bass resonates with profound wisdom, anchoring the ensemble with its robust bottom end. His solo ventures into the upper echelons of his instrument's range, offering a glimpse into his versatile and agile musical mind. Each note and rhythm crafted by Novak, Haslip, and Lettieri interlocks with Lorber's vision, creating a sound that's inviting.
Elsewhere on the album, tracks like "On the Bus" and "Keep Moving" showcase Lorber's uncanny ability to blend intricate melodies with infectious rhythms, resulting in compositions that are equal parts cerebral and toe-tappingly infectious.
Last but certainly not least, let's talk about the chemistry between the players on "The Drop." Fusion music is all about collaboration and synergy, and Lorber and his crew have it in spades. The way they anticipate each other's moves, trading solos and riffing off each other's energy is enchanted.
Whether it's the interplay between Lorber's keys and Gary Novak's deep groove pocket on "Reception" or the dynamic call-and-response between horns and rhythm section on "Tail Lights," the chemistry between the musicians on this album is palpable. It's the kind of musical telepathy that can only come from years of shared experience and mutual respect.
"The Drop" is a tour de force of modern fusion music that showcases Jeff Lorber Fusion at the peak of their creative powers. With its stellar playing, captivating compositions, and undeniable chemistry, this album explores the possibilities of what's possible in groove fusion. So, grab your headphones and crank up the volume; trust me, you won't be disappointed.