by Mike Flynn
Garaj Mahal
w00t
Fusion for some still represents the worst excesses of playing fast and loud, sheets of notes replacing any shred of emotion or meaning. Yet the more enlightened listeners among you will (hopefully) have kept pace with the groundswell of determinedly amplified bands out there actually doing innovative things (like adding Indian rhythms, analogue funk sounds and playful humour) without suffering a taste bypass in the process.
Leading the US pack Garaj Mahal show they have matured into a band very much greater than the sum of their parts with this their fourth album to date. Funky fusion veterans, guitarist Fareed Haque (the 1990's axe man with the Zawinul Syndicate) and bassist Eckhardt (celebrated John McLaughlin trio member) both add the weight of their experience to create a truly smouldering set. Yet it's the heavy, heartfelt delivery of Headhunter's style funk and later, jaw dropping Return To Forever-style prog, that highlights this unit as a real cut above the trippy nonsense that often passes for 'jam band' fair.
Those in need of a hit of real rhythm section magic with a dollop psychotropic rhythmic/harmonic invention on top, should track this album down with some urgency.