JAZZBO NOTES RECOMMENDED RECORDING
Rating: 
On Thick (issued on the Zebra label), the first thing you notice is that keyboardist Scott Kinsey is really studying Zawinul’s synth sound and melodic approach. In a way, that’s good. The synth patches Kinsey came up with in the past often sounded like they came straight from the factory. We’re talking major suckitude.
From the leadoff track, Sheik of Encino, it seems like Tribal Tech is up to their old tricks. Sheik of Encino is very Weather Report-ish, a sinister one-chord groove that steadily builds up for the usual instrumental freakouts from Kinsey and guitarist Scott Henderson.
Most of Thick is free improvisation and group interplay, with occasional through composed sections to break the monotony. That’s okay when you’ve got players as skilled as Henderson, Kinsey, Gary Willis (bass), and Kirk Covington (drums).
Scott Henderson also further explores the sonic possibilities of different effects pedals, distortion boxes, etcetera.
But Tribal Tech is up to something new (kind of) on this release. Perhaps due to Scott Henderson’s interest in the blues and roots music in general, some roots music influences find their way into the music.
On the tune Somewhat Later…, Scott Henderson plays some tasty Mississippi Delta influenced slide guitar. The groove has a lazy, down on the bayou feel to it.
Overall, Thick is a strong release. It has plenty of expert ensemble playing, the group explores a variety of sonic textures, and there’s the blistering solo work we’ve come to expect from Scott Henderson, Scott Kinsey, and Gary Willis. As long as you understand that the group doesn’t attempt to break any major stylistic new ground, you’ll be fine.
There’s one last surprise on Thick. After the last official track, Tribal Tech includes a live track which pokes fun at bad musicians. Scott Henderson plays cheesy pentatonic licks with absolutely no rhythmic sense while Scott Kinsey eviscerates the keyboard style of Keith Emerson. It’s laugh out loud funny and positively cruel. The audience is having a blast. Wish I had been there.
By the way, that reminds me. If you ever have the chance to check out Tribal Tech live, jump at it. These guys are every bit as hot live as they are in the studio. When I went to see them during the Illicit tour, they played a cover of All Of Me, that moldy old wedding standard. They ripped it to shreds, dumped gasoline on it, and incinerated the bastard. It was awe inspiring. Afterwards, I went up to Scott Henderson and said that he should do an album of wedding standards. “That would be the shit!” he said. I’m still waiting, Scott.
If you found this post helpful, share it by clicking on one of these icons!
« Mosaic Select: Dave Liebman & Richie Beirach - Dave Liebman/Richie Beirach | Home | Brilliant Corners - Thelonious Monk »
Related posts:
- Face First - Tribal Tech
- Illicit - Tribal Tech
- Tribal Tech - Scott Henderson/Gary Willis
- Rocket Science - Tribal Tech
- Well To The Bone - Scott Henderson
