Code 3: Code 3

By

GLENN ASTARITA,

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor - Since 1997

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

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Published: April 1, 2000

“Code 3” is a California based – fusion - trio and may appeal to those who enjoy the likes of guitarist Allen Holdsworth, “Tribal Tech” or perhaps guitarist Bill Connors’ stylish mid- late1980’s trio recordings. On the powerful opener, titled “Reunion” Jeff Miley commences with some Holdsworthian type legato guitar lines as bassist Doug Shreeve and drummer Eric Wells offer tight-knit support throughout, while guest keyboardist Jeff Babko lends a hand here and on other tracks. Overall the band offers a fairly good mix that covers a hodgepodge of motifs intermixed with various time signatures with the addition of some hard-core swing grooves yet mainly confine their approach to driving and slightly in-your-face fusion fare. Bassist, Doug Shreeve is a young dynamo who adheres somewhat to the Jaco Pastorius school as he stretches out on numerous occasions while Miley gets good mileage out of strategically placed notes or during extended solos. Drummer Eric Wells should also be commended for his no nonsense and altogether sympathetic support while saving the pyrotechnics for the opportune or necessary sequences.

Nothing ground-breaking or revolutionary here, as “Code 3” presents heartfelt and at times stimulating interplay yet after repeated spins, some of these pieces failed to impart a lasting impression as the notion of a – jam band often came to mind. Otherwise, if this is what the doctor ordered you should reap the benefits and some of the healing powers contained within the body of this work. * * *

Personnel:

Jeff Miley; Guitar: Doug Shreeve; Bass: Eric Wells; Drums: Jeff Babko; keyboards (selected tracks)

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Record Label: Independent Records | Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock