Jazzedelics: Jazzedelics

Opening with the burning re-harmonization of Jimi Hendrix's "Fire," the Jazzedelics incorporate all of the rhythmic intensity of the king of psychedelic rock's massive sound while reimagining the song in fresh and new harmonic territory. The band sets out to take some of the 1960's most notable recordings and recreate them as if jazz musicians had composed them. These arrangements embody what jazz has always stood for, that's to say risk and innovation. In the world of modern jazz much of what is recorded seems to be reserved for the learned musician, rather than the common listener. A record with this type of inspiration opens up jazz to a wider audience than just the music student. The inherent risk, however, is whether or not an audience wants to hear their favorite songs in this light.

For the most part, the band handles the daunting task of recording such iconic songs very well. They incorporate the music from such classic albums as The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Parlophone, 1967), Hendrix' Axis: Bold as Love (Track, 1967) and The Rolling Stones' Aftermath (London, 1966). Each track maintains the dynamic intensity that one would expect from a great rock song while incorporating the harmonic sophistication of more modern jazz, almost in the style of Herbie Hancock or Chick Corea at times.

Overall the band goes into adventurous territory and although it's largely successful, some of the melodies to these songs might be better suited to simpler settings with less harmonic variation as they feel slightly unstable at times, as if the band is unsure of its own direction. Nevertheless, Jazzedleics is, on the whole, a fairly unique and fresh concept that's worth a listen for sure. It breaks down walls surrounding stylistic aesthetics and reminds us that good music transcends genre.