Andy Summers’ latest album – his first with a band in nearly a
decade (aside from The Police) and his first with vocals throughout (although
not his) since his 1987 solo debut – is an excellent addition to his catalog.
The songs, written by Summers with the exception of the
non-English lyrics on about half of the album, are a mix of bossa nova, pop,
rock, and jazz, and are sung by popular Japanese-Brazilian singer-songwriter
Fernanda Takai, whom Summers met while working on the United Kingdom of Ipanema concert/documentary DVD with Brazilian
guitar legend Roberto Menescal.
Takai’s warm, sultry vocals blend perfectly with Summers’
typically brilliant and complex fusion guitar leads, rhythms, and solos, and
the balanced sound mix allows both the vocals and the guitars to shine without
drowning each other out.
In addition to acoustic and electric guitars, Summers plays
keyboards and synthesizers, and his tight, solid band includes longtime
collaborator Abraham Laboriel Sr. on bass and Marcos Suzano on drums and
percussion.
Every track is wonderful, but my absolute, instant favorite is
“Falling from the Blue.” This is what The Police might have sounded like if
Takai were the vocalist instead of Sting (I’m sure Sting still would have been
the bassist). Luckily for Sting, Takai was just a little girl when The Police
first came together.
The melting pot of musical cultures and the outstanding
performances of everyone involved make this an exhilarating and rewarding
listening experience. Andy Summers’ fans certainly will not be disappointed.
--Raj Manoharan
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