Spin Cycle: Spin Cycle III

The quartet we know as Spin Cycle delivers III, the band's follow up to Assorted Colors (Sound Footing Records, 2018). Here, the compositional partners Scott Neumann and Tom Christensen exercise their omnivorous tastes on a broad —ranging spectrum of sound. Like their previous two albums, the pair employ guitarist Pete McCann and bassist Phil Palombi, two über sidemen to accomplish their insatiable need to explore multiple genres and eras.

There is something here for everyone. The opening track "Churn," penned by Christensen is an absolute post-bop burner, matching his tenor saxophone with the ever nimble guitar work of McCann, before Neumann commands the stage with his workmanlike drum solo. It is almost like the quartet is checking off tasks on a to-do list. Up next is the greasy rock/funk of "Drain The Swamp" with McCann igniting a pyrotechnic display. Check, and onto a slow ballad "Matawan" that teleports the ears to the 1980's sound of John Klemmer. Spin the dial once again and we land on "Fallacy," a piece of nonchalant modern bebop reminiscent of Joe Lovano's tenor work, both in its composition and sound. Palombi, with his buttery. touch delivers a shrewd solo here before turning the spotlight back to the nimble fingers of McCann. The quartet checks musical styles off one-by-one. There is the retro 80s sound of "Butter Funk" with Christensen switching to soprano saxophone and a slow drag "Form IV." The final track "Adler's Dilemma" may have saved the best for last, with the players hitting on all cylinders of this infectious burner.

Comments