Although drummer Dave Weckl and his sidemen (I assume that this is his working quintet) know exactly where they want to go and how to get there, the kind of Jazz they play simply doesn’t interest me in the least. I’m sure they must think it swings; with some exceptions (“Swunk,” parts of “Synergy,” for example) I couldn’t agree with any such assertion. It sounds to these admittedly unschooled ears like a hybrid that embodies rock, smooth Jazz, New Age and other ingredients. While the music is almost surely far more difficult to compose and perform than it sounds, what comes through the speakers is a rather uncomplicated rock–centered groove on which is layered a number of Jazz–like melodies and improvisations that land far short of memorable. To give Weckl his due, he is superb on the drum–solo piece, “Cultural Concurrence,” which was inspired by percussion instruments acquired during his travels in 1998. A shame there isn’t more of that and less monotonous rock–derived cadences, as on the following number, “Tower ’99” (a new arrangement of “Tower of Inspiration” from Weckl’s first CD, Master Plan ) and most of the others. Weckl earned his reputation with Chick Corea’s Elektric and Akoustic Bands, and, in a sense, is still with Corea, recording for Chick’s Stretch label. About Synergy, he says: “What I enjoy is that the music . . . is really a mix of everything from blues, Latin, African to soul, rock and Jazz [no argument here]. What makes the synergy happen with this band is the combination of those sensibilities. . . .I think the CD has a lot to offer, containing moments of hard, adventurous playing counterbalanced with songs possessing a lighter touch, finesse and subtlety. While synergy is what the album is all about, balance is also quite important [in] making it work as well as it does.” Whether it does, of course, is in the ear of the beholder. I’ll pass, but many others won’t, and they may find in Synergy exactly the sort of pleasurable listening experience for which they’ve been searching.
Track listing: High Life; Panda’s Dream; Swunk; A Simple Prayer; Cape Fear; Wet Skin; Synergy; Where’s My Paradise?; Lucky Seven; Swamp Thing; Cultural Concurrence; Tower ’99 (69:06).
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
We sent a confirmation message to . Look for it, then click the link to activate your account. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, check your spam, bulk or promotions folder.
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
