Scott Sawyer: Go There
ByThe disc opens with a funked-out arrangement of George Harrison's "Taxman, a raucous introduction to Sawyer's tastefully charged-up style. "5-Spot and "Royal Canal both have a laid back groove reminiscent of John Scofield with Medeski, Martin and Wood. The latter features a greasy organ solo by Kofi, a hard-hitting upright pulse from Brendle and a barrage of overdriven, inventive ideas from Sawyer. The guitarist demonstrates melodic flexibility on the soulful "Slow Dance, a pleasingly ethereal waltz, and "In the Stream, where effects manipulation thoughtfully takes center stage.
A straight-up backbeat compliments Sawyer's angular theme on "Ar. The extended vamp is the perfect vehicle for Oteil to stretch out with a blistering solo. The veteran bassist (Allman Brothers, Aquarium Rescue Unit) carefully unveils his monster chops for the better good of the groove.
Soule, a long-time musical comrade of Sawyer, keeps things moving with fat, in-the-pocket support. His meaty, never-in-the-way drumming elevates funkier tracks like "Going...Going...Gone and "Go Home, the session's blues-drenched closer.
A talent deserving of wider recognition, Sawyer is a guitarist of varying persuasion who will undoubtedly appeal to fans of groove-oriented experimentation. With exceptional performances and inspired compositions, Go There is a first-rate, soulful good time.
Track Listing
Taxman; 5-Spot; Royal & Canal; Slow Dance; Ar; Slow Down, Freight Train; In the Stream; Dark Lady; Going
Personnel
Scott Sawyer: guitar; Kenny Soule: drums; Kofi Burbridge: organ, flute; Oteil Burbridge: electric bass; Ron Brendle: acoustic bass; Chris Garges: gong, bells, rattles.
Album information
Title: Go There | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Instrument: Guitar
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