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Lenny White: Anomaly
ByWhite has never stood still or rested on his laurels, and in spite of Anomaly's roster of heavyweight fusion musicians, the music is nicely varied, with rock, funk, fusionand the R&B that increasingly colored his releases in the '90sall featured here.
There is definitely a harder rocking edge to much of the music, compared to the rest of his discography. "We Know" explodes with a great, heavy riff, featuring searing metal solos from guitarists Nick Moroch and David Bendeth on either side of an instantly recognizable bass solo from Stanley Clarke. Even an R&B track like the catchy "Forever" is branded in sizzling fashion by guitarist Jimmy Herring.
The lovely "Dark Moon" ventures into jazzier territory, with some extremely tasteful guitar by composer David Gilmore, and a piano solo from Bernard Wright which maintains the composition's melodic line, bolstered by White and bassist Victor Bailey's unerringly solid groove, making this is an album highlight. Joe Henderson's "Gazelle" is given a more overtly fusion makeover with Bailey and White propelling the piece as keyboardist George Colligan and guitarist Tom Gurna turn in appealing solos. Colligan and Bailey lock down a groove, over which White unleashes a torrent on his kit.
White sounds in absolutely top form on Anomaly; his groove on Guarna's impressive "If You Dare" is utterly irresistible, with a tripping rhythm and constant hi-hat swinging the tune mightily, with the aid of the redoubtable Bailey. White and Bailey combine wonderfully once again on the rocking "Election Day," one of eight originals by White, and featuring an unforgettable melody and more standout guitar work from Moroch.
"Catlett out of the Bag" is a sweat-raising jazz-funk workout, with vibrant harmonies from saxophonist Danny Walsh and trumpeter Tim Ouimette, while "Anthem" is a memorable rock number with progressive overtones and the epic "The Wait has lifted the Weight" closes the CD in slower, bluesy mode.
Anomaly is a fine addition to White's discography, with the drummer at the height of his considerable playing powers.
Track Listing
Drum Boogie; We Know; Forever; Dark Moon; Gazelle; If U Dare; Election Day; Coming Down; Catlett Out of The Bag; Water Changes Everything; Anthem; The Wait Has Lifted the Weight.
Personnel
Lenny White
drumsLenny White: drums, keyboards (2, 3), all instruments (10), spoken word, (12); Nick Moroch: guitar (1, 2, 7); Tom Guarna: guitar (1, 3, 5-9, 11); Donald Blackman: organ, (1), piano (12); George Colligan: organ, (1), keyboards (3, 5-8, 11); Vince Evans: keyboards (1, 3-4, 7-9, 12); Bernard Wright: synth bass (1, 9), piano (4, 12) keyboards (7-10, 12); Victor Bailey: bass (1, 3-8); David Bendeth: guitar (2); Stanley Clarke: bass (2); Jimmy Herring: guitar (3); David Gilmore: guitar (4); Mike Clarke: drums (9); Danny Walsh: alto and tenor saxophones (9); Tim Ouimette: trumpet and trombone (9); Jerry Z: organ (9); Chris Williams: lead vocals (10); Vaneese Thomas: lead vocals (10); Gregory Clark: lead vocals (10); Nicki Richards: lead vocals (10); Irene James: backing vocals (10); Michelle Weeks-Reynoso: backing vocals (10); Richie Goods: bass (11); Charles Fambrough: acoustic bass (12).
Album information
Title: Anomaly | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Abstract Logix