Musicians: Chris Weigers (electric & acousticbass,keyboard,clarinet), Shawn Murray(drums & percussion), Victor Burks (keyboard&vocals), Dave Diamond (guitar&vocals), Mala Waldron (keyboard & vocals), Michael Amendola (tenor & soprano saxophone,flute), Uli Binetsch or Mark Paquin ((trombone). Guest artists - Robben Ford (guitar), Bob Mintzer (tenor saxophone), Russell Ferrante (keyboards), Chris Palmaro (Hammond B3 organ), Jason Crosby (keyboard & violin), John Scarpulla (tenor saxophone), Terry Nigrelli (trombone), James Ingenito (trumpet), Bob Stander (guitar), Willie Steel (guitar), Yutaka (keyboard)
Review:
ArushA is a group taken to the fine hybrid form of jazz, incorporating elements of straight-ahead jazz, blues, reggae, & R&B, complete with R&B vocals of genuine quality and sweet harmonies.
The standout quality of Look Up can be attributed to the freshness of the material. Much of the material here was either written or co-written by bassist/leader Chris Weigers and guitarist/vocalist David Diamond, although there are a few cool interpretations of covers such as the exhilarating version of Sly Stone’s “Life,” John Lennon’s “Imagine,” a passionate stab at the Rascals’ classic “People Got To Be Free” Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s In Need of Love,” and a smooth and gutsy probe of Steely Dan’s “Peg” (former Tower of Power saxman John Scarpulla puts in an sparkling appearance on the latter, as well as on other tunes here).
The group has some very special guest contributors on this project, namely several members of the Yellowjackets. In fact, the album benefits from compositions written by Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip, who also co-produced the project. That alone provides a big boost—that and the rich vocals of keyboardist Mala Waldron (“Imagine” is served up by her in very smooth, almost reggae-like fashion), Victor Burks, and Dave Diamond.
The group’s own material is quite diverse and spans several genres and subgenres. The blend is presented excellently, like a fine and elegant mixed drink of sorts. To state the obvious: These are quite talented musicians, and that talent speaks for itself loud and clear here in ways bound to provide broad appeal.
Tracks: Penang, Comin' Back To You, Look Up, Turn Away, Where's My Keys, Life, Imagine, Lost In Rennes, People Got To Be Free, Square Kilometer Array, Love's In Need Of Love, Peg, Cleopatra, Minor Byrd
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