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Guaranteed Swahili: Three More Years
ByThe first thing that grabs the inner ear is the group’s sound. Though saxophonists Jason Hunter and Eric Rasmussen are the primary soloists, their counterparts—drummer Eric Thompson and bassist Tim Luntzel—are equally impressive. The individual performances are all noteworthy, yet group unity is really what creates the excitement. Each solo performance is accentuated by the other members' contributions, which in turn gives the music a multi-layered sound.
The recording has the feel of an open jam session as musicians layer their instruments on the opening track, “New Diet Revolution.” Things take a more structured turn on the next piece, “Remembrance,” which quietly introduces the theme and then blossoms into different tempos and impressive solos all encased in a third world rhythm. Other selections are more exploratory, such as the free for all “Chad’s Pregnant,” which spotlights exceptional electric bass work and drum kit magic.
Things take a turn towards the dark side on the introspective “Hair on My Pillow,” which combines elements of both harmony and dissonance as the percussion and bass compellingly pushes the theme. Rasmussen and Hunter clearly have a musical bond as they interact with ease. On the reflective “When,” the duality of horns results in contrasting tones that create some interesting balladry. The recording also benefits from exceptional sound quality that further accentuates the group’s noteworthy performance.
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Track Listing
1. New Diet Revolution 2. Remembrance 3. Sightseeing 4. Hair on my Pillow 5. Three More Years 6. When 7. Spree Quick 8. Chad's Pregnant 9. Long Road
Personnel
Jason Hunter - tenor and soprano saxophones; Eric Rasmussen - alto saxophone; Tim Luntzel - acoustic/electric bass; Eric Thompson - drums
Album information
Title: Three More Years | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Blue Moon