Alan Evans, Freekbass, Nic Vardanega + Others: Five for the Road

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Alan Evans, Freekbass and Nic Vardanega are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately …

ALAN EVANS – NOTHING TO SAY (JAZZ): The debut solo album by Alan Evans shows Soulive’s drummer in an entirely different light. His jazz chops are well represented, but Nothing to Say also displays his funk and rock acumen. The album gives fine doses of psychedelic rock, funk and jazz. Even more impressive is Alan Evans’ skill as a songwriter and vocalist, in addition to his guitar and bass chops. While Evans enlists a little help from Neal Evans, Darby Wolf Danny Mayers and Ryan Hommel, among others, Nothing to Say is unmistakably his baby. It reflects the obvious craftsmanship which is the hallmark of his band, Soulive. Nothing to Say is a labor of love by Alan Evans which took more than four years to complete. Let’s hope it won’t take as long for a follow-up. Check out Alan Evans on the title track “Nothing to Say” as well the standout song “Sparky the Flying Dog.”



FREEKBASS – ALL THE WAY THIS, ALL THE WAY THAT (R&B / FUNK): Freekbass is unapologetically in your face. All the Way This, All the Way That, due at the end of May on Color Red, is in some ways a throw back to the work of the Brothers Johnson and Bootsy Collins. Songs such as “Steppin’ Outta Line” and “Fre3kroNomokan” are grooved filled and fun. Freekbass fires off around hooks left and right, tying it all together with irresistibly sassy lyrics. Coproduced by Freebass, Itaal Shur and Eddie Roberts, All the Way This, All the Way That features 10 songs that seem to have an identity all their own, yet flow seamlessly to make an album which is a fun straight-through listen. Add in Freekbass’s band – he’s joined by the Bump Assembly with Parliament-Funkadelic drummer Rico Lewis and keyboardist Sky White, as well as vocalist Sammi Garrett – and the songs just pop. Freekbass’ approach is a welcome return to the ’70 funk sound, but he’s managed to capture tunes which are worthy of his virtuosity. It’s the 1970s all over again, and I want to dance.

DOUG MACDONALD QUARTET – ORGANISMS (SOUL JAZZ): Guitarist Doug MacDonald returns with his third organ project, and his 13th album. Organisms is rich and warm, capturing the essence of these fine players. MacDonald offers a mix of originals and classics, placing him firmly in his element. MacDonald’s take on Sammy Cahn’s “It’s You Or No One,” the lead-off song, sets the right move for the set, giving organist Carey Frank something substantial to work with. The rest of the band, which features Ben Scholz on drums and Steely Dan alum Bob Sheppard, all rise to the occasion. “Hortense” only confirms what the prior eight tracks made clear: Organisms is a jazz gem. Even more interesting is that it was recorded in just two days.

NIC VARDANEGA – POINT IN TIME (JAZZ): Australian Nic Vardanega is a master player and Point in Time confirms he’s a force to be reckoned with in the jazz-guitar world. A 2012 graduate of the Sydney Conservatory of Music and now a resident of New York City, Vardanega has composed a group of songs which not only showcase his playing chops but his arranging skill. Point in Time was recorded in New York City in just one day in August, and features Michael Rodriquez on trumpet, Jakob Dreyer on double bass and Josh Roberts on drums. Their relationship is almost telepathic on songs like the sublime “Rugged Edges,” with its slow burning flavors. “Shadows Over Bleecker” almost makes you feel you are there. It’s hard to believe this is only Vardaenga’s second album as leader.

JOSHUA CATANIA – OPEN TO NOW (JAZZ): There’s something almost unsettling about the quality of Joshua Catania’s Open to Now. Out now on Shifting Paradigm Records, the albums delivers dynamic and moving pieces of work. Each of the six songs represent a musician trusting his craft forward. Catania’s jazz is modern, evocative and challenging. The Milwaukee-based pianist is supported by Chicago guitarist Dave Miller and Wisconsin drummer Devan Drobka with Madison-based John Christensen on bass. The quartet plays as if they have been together for decades. “Helix” seems like it is an expression of that empathetic relationship, with Catania and Miller reading each other’s minds as they navigate the endearing melody. On “Refrain,” Drobka and Christensen share a passionate expression of the main theme before the soloist even enters the picture. This is challenging yet inviting listening. Catania, at 18 years of age, has teased us with hints of many more great things to come.


Preston Frazier