Chad Wackerman: Scream

First off, Wackerman is one excellent drummer and superb fusion composer. With that out of the way, the next question is, "So how's this CD stack up in comparison with Wackerman's other solid fusion releases?" I can comfortably say, Scream does a great job of measuring up to all those prior efforts overall and continues Wackerman's reputation for great fusion. So, go get your copy right now. And now the other jive . . . I am a seriously dedicated fusion guitar fan and when you follow the greats, you will find Wackerman drumming on many a super jazz fusion release. And how's the axe-work on Scream ? Oh yeah, it is superb. James Muller is tight, fluid, innovative, and by the way — shhh . . . he sounds like that Holdsworth guy. Best many of those great melody, solo, and unison lines in Scream feature excellent vibes by Daryl Pratt. It all works just right. Oddly enough, this Wackerman release sounds a great deal like vibe-guru, Ed Mann, is back doing that Get Up thing with a new guitarist. Grab that hard-to-find CMP label release and you too will hear what I mean. I loved Mann's vibe-rich grooves and fusiony Zappa-esque tunes on that 80's release so . . . Wackerman has resurrected a great memory and breathed new life into it. Guess what? Wackerman played drums on Mann's release. And furthermore, both Mann and Wackerman gigged with the ever-evolving Zappa troupe. Ever notice how great musicians all jammed with either Frank Zappa or Miles Davis in their early careers? Well, everyone does a fine job of pulling off quality fusion and I am glad to have this one in my collection. Recommended.

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