Vinnie Colaiuta - Robben Ford - Jimmy Haslip: Jing Chi (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: February 1, 2002

Guitarist Robben Ford has established a successful solo career; bassist Jimmy Haslip gained notoriety with the Yellowjackets; and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta is perhaps one of the most called upon session artists in the business. One might have high expectations for this joint production, yet not much happens until we get to the piece titled "Going Nowhere."

A few of these works may rekindle notions of the late '60s power trio Cream, thanks to Ford's velvety blues licks, staccato-like crunch chords, and weeping wah-wah motifs. The problem lies within the trio's plodding and altogether predictable straight four rhythmic structures, as well as the lack of any tangible melodies or solid compositional frameworks. It's as if the band just got together for a studio jam session. Colaiuta does his best to up the ante on occasion, and Ford multi-tracks rhythm guitar on a few pieces. Haslip sings on the engaging hybrid soul-blues/space rock piece titled "In My Dream." But unfortunately, two or three noteworthy tracks are not enough to salvage this rather disappointing effort.

Track Listing: 1.The Hong Kong Incident 2.Stan Key 3.Tengoku 4.Crazy House 5.Going Nowhere 6.Go Figure 7.Man In The Ring 8.In My Dream 9.Train Song 10.Aurora

Personnel: Vinnie Colaiuta: drums, programming

Record Label: Tone Center
Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock