Grammy-nominated drummer Harvey Mason has released Chameleon today, a CD that backtracks into some of the hottest jazz and fusion tracks from the '70s.
Harvey has employed the talents of some of the industry's brightest young stars as well as their pre-generation counterparts to help him on this musical journey.
The CD includes guest performances by trumpeter Christian Scott, bassist Ben Williams, pianist/keyboardist Kris Bowers and guitarist Matthew Stevens. Also representing the look of 21st century jazz are trombonist and vocalist Corey King, sax player Kamasi Washington, vocalist Chris Turner and keyboardist Mark de Clive-Lowe.
Not to be outdone, the list of musicians representing the "old school" era are also heavy-hitters. They include Yellowjackets' bassist Jimmy Haslip, bassist Paul Jackson and percussionist Bill Summers.
Together these musicians bring ideas of the past and today's sound making for a CD that is solid, joyous and a treat for all who listen.
The music included on this compilation is near and dear to Harvey. In a recent interview he was quoted as saying that Chameleon contains tracks that he either co-produced and wrote or have appeared on.
The concept behind Chameleon goes far more than it being the title track that Harvey worked on with and for Herbie Hancock. It also describes Harvey's diverse nature in the industry; a musician who has been involved in many genres including pop R&B, country, Latin and hip hop.
If you can remember some of your favorite 70s jazz and funk fusion sounds, you may be surprised to find them on here. De-constructed as they may be, the tracks here still hold the essence of its original form in terms of its beauty and grace.
Even the enhanced versions found here make you wonder why they weren't included in the original in the first place, the continuity of which some of the new add-ons flow to the original songs is something that is noticeable and impressive.
A good example of this is can be found on "Black Frost", the CD's powerful opener which was originally done by Grover Washington. The gentle and melodious intro is interspersed in the track and makes for a clever addition to spice up add body and modernize the original composition. This is track is an instant favorite.Bobby Hutcherson's "Montara" has been sampled by a few artist in the hip-hop industry and can easily be identified by the young audience because of it. However, at the end of the day the jazz genre is definitely where the track is at its prettiest as you get hear the musicians interplay between the vibraphone, guitar and piano.
Enter "If I Ever Lose This Heaven", a track that has been done by so many in the industry yet I have to admit that this is by far one of the best versions I've heard in a long time. Chris Turner's vocals is enviable with a beautiful and lingering falsetto that produces lush harmonies at the chorus. This track isn't how your grandmother remembered it, it definitely has a contemporary feel where the harmonies are charming and sensual.
"Looking Back" is a jamming interlude with cosmic sounds surrounding steady drum work. It is imaginative and funky; pity it lasts for only a minute, it leaves you wanting more.
Christian Scott's trumpet hangs low and serene on the mellow and romantic "Before the Dawn". Originally done by Patrice Rushen, this track moves with grace and eloquence; it also features Corey “CK” King on the trombone and Kamasi Washington on the sax. Neon lights reflecting on rain-slicked streets come to mind when listening to this track.
We get a chance to eavesdrop on Harvey's session work on "Studio Life" (Hold It One Second)." For that short moment, we hear Harvey freestyling and on the drums and even giving musicians their cues.
Elsewhere on the CD is an updated version of Donald Byrd's "Places and Spaces" and on "Either Way" Harvey is given the opportunity to be as "drumtastic" as he wanna be. The track which originally appeared on Dave Gruisin's CD, also features piano solos from Kris Bowers.
Harvey turns things up with the funky and engaging "Mase Theme", a track that features a cosmic and synth-filled interlude that tempts you to want to break out in Larry Blackmon moves from his Cameo days.
Just when you think it is all over, there is "Looking Forward (Breaking Bad)", the bonus track and the CD's way of going out with a bang. It is rated "downright funky" and can well be seen as the musical version of the Soul Train Line. It is where all the musicians get to improvise and show what they are made of.
Can I tell you how impressed I am with this CD; this one will also be filed into my "favorites" collection.
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