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FuseNet
Let's get one thing clear up front: this is definitely not your "typical" fusion album (if there can even be said to be such a thing). I'm sure some will even argue that it isn't "fusion" at all (though I would beg to differ with this viewpoint). I suspect that as more of us hear it, we'll probably see a few more strong opinions here, both pro and con.
The album is divided into two discs, "Right Brain (Electric)" and "Left Brain (Acoustic)". Overall, much of CbR has a loose, "live in the studio" feel to it; while I don't know the details of how they approached the recording of this album, I assume that much of it was
improvised.
First up, "Right Brain". It's hard for me to describe what's going on here, but think in terms of late-model Tribal Tech meets David Torn meets King Crimson, and you're probably getting warm. The tunes are varied, and there's some great playing from all three musicians; but I think Vic Stevens is really the unsung hero -- his drumming really keeps things moving along. Yes, "Right Brain" can be noisy and dissonant at times; but nowhere near as noisy or dissonant as, e.g., the
Bailey/Metheny/Bendian/Wertico album from a few years back (which, to this day, I just don't "get").
"Left Brain" leads off with a beautiful, understated little number called "A Darkness Falls Upon Us", which to me seemed to have a "European chamber jazz" feel… kind of like the albums Bill Connors did while he was with ECM. The rest of the "Left Brain" material runs the gamut… if you're a fan of Hellborg's Eastern-influenced acoustic stuff, there are a few tracks that should please; there is some dissonant, arhythmic material here as well, but in moderation. In spite of the occasional forays off into the ozone, I'd say "Left Brain" still feels more composed than "Right Brain", overall.
General impressions… Well, if you're expecting another "Hand Farm" release, or even another "Addition By Subtraction", you will be disappointed. But if you're willing to listen with open ears, there is really quite a lot to like about this album. I hear three exceptionally talented musicians, experimenting and pushing the envelope in several
different directions; if this sounds like an appealing combination to you, this album will be a welcome addition to your collection.
Regarding the "Scott has left the house" comments from the earlier thread... well, I think that is a pretty apt metaphor. CbR is a walk in the wilderness -- full of stark landscapes, moments of chaos, and flashes of beauty. I certainly won't mind at all if Scott decides to
"return home" for a visit now and then; but for now, I wish him luck on this journey -- may it be an interesting and rewarding one, for both the musicians, and those who choose to listen.
Review by Mike Uchima
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