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Kevin Eubanks: Zen Food
ByEubanks' new chapter begins with Zen Food, showcasing his continued guitar mastery with a new band and fresh material. The recording's dynamics mirror his talent: an intrepid player with the ability to play with deep feeling; and a robust writer, covering a range of hard hitting vamps ("The Dancing Sea"), stealthy grooves ("Spider Monkey Cafe"), and blue serenity (" The Dirty Monk"), and tender ballads ("I Remember Loving You").
The band's symbiotic connection is crucial, beginning with the cornerstone of bassist Rene Camacho and veteran trap-master Marvin "Smitty" Smith who was also a member of the Tonight Show band. Moments such as the hymnal inspired "Adoration" are vivid, as Eubanks' acoustic chord-work is the perfect accompaniment to Gerry Etkins' ethereal keyboards. The set feels, at times, like a potpourri of styles, but the high level of musicianship elevates tracks such as the Wes Montgomery-like storm of "6/8," and the infectiously hip "G G (Gerry's Groove)," where Bill Pierce's saxophone laments sweet blues and Eubanks' electric guitar echoes the sentiment with elongated and improvised notes.
Eubanks is a complete player, whether delivering jaw-dropping solos or flavorful comps. On top of that, he's not lost his superlative chops on acoustic guitar, as "Das It" attests. This short barn-burner displays a dexterity, intensity, and muscular finger picking reminiscent of his killer Shadow Prophets (GRP, 1988). What lies ahead for Eubanks is anyone's guess, but it is sure to be an interesting journey that begins with the welcome return of Zen Food.
Track Listing
The Dancing Sea; Spider Monkey Cafe; The Dirty Monk; Adoration; Los Angeles; I Remember Loving You; 6/8; G.G.; Offering; Das It.
Personnel
Kevin Eubanks
guitarKevin Eubanks: guitars; Bill Pierce: saxophone; Gerry Etkins: keyboards; Rene Camacho: bass; Marvin "Smitty" Smith.
Album information
Title: Zen Food | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Mack Avenue Records
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