Featured Artist: Plan 9 Plan 9

CD Title: Unification

Year: 2005

Record Label: Blue Wave Productions

Style: Fusion

Musicians: Jeremy Holmes (bass) Alex McKechnie (drums) Gordon Grdina (guitar)

Review:

Unification is the first CD release for this band. Plan 9 is made up of Gordon Grdina, a well respected contributor to the jazz, independent rock, and world music scenes, who is known for his unique sound. Jeremy Holmes and Alex McKechnie are very talented musicians involved in other noteworthy projects. They play improvised music based on original compositions by Alex McKechnie, who also leads the Alex McKechnie Trio. Their music is a mixture of fusion and jazz.

This is an awesome first CD. The first track "Thank you Mr. Jones" moves smoothly and boasts an outstanding drum solo by Alex McKechnie. The second track ,"Mr. J.H.," is strong with solid guitar, nice bass, and the fusion influence apparent is thoroughly enjoyable. I had a particular fondness for the last track, "Moia Lubov." It begins with a haunting melody of bass and guitar and kicks it up in the middle to end on a sublime note.

On this CD, the band moves deftly through eight original compositions, proving each musician’s talent with free-form improvisations, and up beat fusion with occasional funky impacts. Full of grooves, lyrical statements and structure, the band seamlessly embrace mainstream accessibility, as well as many aspects of the avant-garde.

Artist's Website: http://www.alexondrums.com

Reviewed by: Viki Ackland

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