Powerhouse drummer Chad Wackerman’s third solo release – the first of his two albums recorded during his decade-long residency in Australia – features a mostly new lineup of musicians from down under, most notably Allan Holdsworth-sound-alike guitarist James Muller.
Wackerman holds court as primary composer and bandleader, with his drums and percussion hustling and bustling throughout and providing the driving force of the music.
The Aussie players new to the mix include Daryl Pratt on
synthesizer, vibraphone, and percussion and Leon Gaer on bass.
Some of the recording sessions took place back in Wackerman’s
native California, with veteran band members Jim Cox on synthesizer, piano, and
organ and Walt Fowler on flugelhorn.
The 25-year-old Muller is right at home with Wackerman, sounding
like a clone of Holdsworth with his piercing tone and lightning-quick leads,
with a little bit of Andy Summers thrown in for good measure. All the while,
Muller manages to forge his own sonic stamp with his blazing guitar lines.
Chad Wackerman once again proves that he is as adept at crafting
appealing tunes as he is at rattling his drum kit, resulting in yet another
fine fusion offering.
--Raj Manoharan
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