Musicians: Jesse Fischer (keyboards), Brian Hogans (saxophones, flute), Josh David (bass), Corey Rawls (drums), Kahill Kwame Bell (percussion)
Review:
Here is a refreshing group of musicians offering a very refreshing and innovative look at urban grooves heavily steeped in fusion jazz. The professionalism shines through from the very beginning. Young yet quite seasoned already, bandleader and keyboardist Jesse Fischer and fellow composer and drummer Corey Rawls take Soul Cycle down a path that demonstrates the skill, poise, and depth of sight of each member in generous proportions.
I initially expected to hear a routine offering of urban grooves, and was I ever surprised upon listening to the very first cut on this album “Stop Playin’.” An intense exercise in fusion, the group uses clever timing and cool runs to set this journey off in top form. Throughout the album, this group tosses in so many ingredients of jazz and in such a well-conceived manner that you simply have to appreciate the great effort and time these guys must have invested in what is a nice showcase of the great mastery of great fusion.
No two tunes sound alike or are even similarly structured on this album. There’s a new direction being set constantly and confidently. The one cover served up here, “Footsteps in the Dark,” which features the very smooth, sweet vocals of guest vocalist Ramona Dunlap (think Pieces of a Dream’s Pillow Talk album), is fluid and sound. The group steps through it as if it were their own composition. I’m sure Ronald Isley and Co. would be the first to acknowledge the tribute with a nod of approval.
Not what you’d immediately think of as the typical “urban jazz” album, Urban Organics is worth your while if you enjoy more emphasis on good fusion that’s more “top heavy” with its jazz than it is with the urban setting.
Tracks: Stop Playin', Empty Pockets, Signs and Wonders, Fresh, Footsteps in the Dark, Forgetful Tendencies, Into the Light, After a Long Sleep, 2:56 AM, Abyssinia, The Final Hour
JazzReview.com
