Niacin
Time Crunch
Magna Carta
This is a fast and smooth jazz-fusion album, featuring mostly drum and bass – and a keyboardist sitting in playing some neat melody – that was created and produced by great talents with great musical taste. This outing from Niacin, Billy Sheehan’s project, features Dennis Chambers (who has worked with Stanley Clarke, George Clinton and others) on the drums, John Novello (known for his works with Chick Corea and Andy Summers) playing the keyboards, and Sheehan on the bass.
This album is based on jazz, inspired by progressive rock, but insanely groovy and smooth, merging the boundaries of rock and jazz – and making it one great album that is fluid, soulful and very enjoyable. Much to be mentioned about the tight musical performance by the three musicians as well. Sheehan’s bass playing is phenomenally fast and precise; which combined with Chambers’ killer drumwork provide a solid foundation for Novello’s moody and sensual sounding Hammond organs. Except for the pensive toned track “Glow,” the entire album is brisk and intense; however, displaying a side of playfulness and levity. The album also features two great covers: King Crimson’s “Red” and Jan Hammer’s “Blue Wind.”
Highly recommended instrumental album!
Magna Carta Records: http://www.magnacarta.com/
