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The
Philadelphia Experiment
June
12, 2001
Original Release Date: June 12, 2001
Uri
Crane/Piano & Organ, Christian McBride/Bass, Ahmir
Thompson/Drums, Pat Marino/Guitar (1,2,4), Jon Swana/Trumpet
(1,5), Larry Gold/Cello (10)
1.
Philadelphia Experiment
2. Grover
3. Lesson #4 
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4. Call For All Demons
5. Trouble Man Theme
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6. Ain't It The Truth
7. Ile Life
8. The Miles Hit
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9. (re)MOVEd
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10. Philadelphia Freedom
11. Mister Logic
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12. Hidden Track (Just the Two of Us)
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Review
This
is the funkiest jazz can get, and it's bloody groovy!
Christian McBride is on the mark this time, after
his horrendous sci-fi failure. This time he comes back
with two fellow Philly veterans, Uri Crane and
Ahmir Thompson (with the enromous afro) and plays
stuff that seems to celebrate the 76ers' potential victory
in the NBA Finals. The sound is new and experimental,
hence the Philly Experiment.
The
whole process of listening to the album feels like a
wild journey. One can feel the tight improv of the musicians.
McBride really shines here, hitting the bass as if he
never did before (listening to his slap bass on "Just
the Two of Us"). Crane is groovy on the keyboards,
putting us back in the days of Herbie Hancock and Wayne
Shorter and Weather Report. McBride is also surreptitiously
paying tribute to Jaco Pastorius, the legendary
bass player. I only wish record companies can come out
with more funky sounds like this.
The
recording is a spontaneous studio set, like these musicians
are just rehearsing or jamming without pressure. The
whole process is mellow and laidback. Because of the
relaxed envrionment, these guys demonstrate their real
skill and that brings out the best of jazz.
All
in all, a truly funky album that stays true to jazz
roots and is willing to try new things at the same time.
A must-listen album in addition to Cachaito,
Karl Denson and
St. Germain
for the long summer. Best jazz album of 2001 so far,
hands down!
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