I first heard of and heard Chad Wackerman in the early 1990s when he played drums on Andy Summers’ albums Charming Snakes (1990) and World Gone Strange (1991). I instantly became hooked on Wackerman’s intense, kinetic energy.
I further encountered Wackerman’s talents on albums by Allan Holdsworth. I was not aware of Wackerman’s solo albums at the time, but I finally decided I should check them out, especially after reading reviews that indicated that they feature the instrumental jazz/rock fusion style favored by Summers and Holdsworth.
Wackerman released his debut solo album in 1991, by which time he was a seasoned, full-fledged musician at the ripe old age of 31. The music is representative of the high-tech and glossy sound of instrumental jazz/rock fusion of the era and continues to remain vibrant and innovative decades later, attesting to the timeless quality of the material.
Supporting Wackerman on his freshman outing are Holdsworth on electric guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Jim Cox on keyboards, organ, and piano. Holdsworth, Johnson, and Cox all shine and showcase their virtuosity and musicianship even while performing as a tight unit under the leadership of Wackerman.
With all this great musical talent on display, Wackerman’s drumming never gets lost in the mix. In fact, his unique, propulsive, thunderous, and rumbling sound is the driving force of the music, and his formidability comes through loud and clear.
If you aren’t already of fan of Chad Wackerman, here are Forty Reasons why you should be.
--Raj Manoharan
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