Scott Henderson* is a guitar chameleon - changing colours and shades with each new track yet always his inimitable sound always comes through. That sweet distorted legato scream that funnels into the dirtiest of tones that shift with each bebop line - his playing is endlessly fascinating. Without a doubt Henderson is one of the most amazing guitarists on the planet. In the opening track, 'Mech X' a menacing Hendrix-like crescendo of sound develops which intrigued me and had me concerned that perhaps a new more chaotic TT style was emerging. I am pleased to say that an avalanche of thundering carefully crafted typical TT unison lines power through - this is a powerful statement at the beginning of the album.
'Got Faith 'N Phat' is a classic grooving TT track with Scott Kinsey's keys sounding so much like a Tower of Power horn section that I looked at the liner notes to see who was playing. Gary Willis's bass is stunning - pulsing delicately in places and then pumping. Each new track he seems more impressive. His choice of notes and articulation is superb. And when you think you've heard everything along comes his beautiful fretless playing on 'Anthem'. He is a monster and deserves wider recognition. (The fusion muso world certainly know who Willis is and he's played on Holdsworth's 'Metal Fatigue' and 'None to soon' and Dennis Chamber's 'Outlook' with Michael Brecker.)
Kirk Covington certainly gets round the kit - what I noted though is his choice of drum sound for each track and amazing cymbal work and sounds. I sensed that his typical muscular role although still evident throughout the album seemed to focus on supporting the compositions and interplay rather than making drum statements. I am not suggesting he is not supportive on other albums, but rather, in my opinion, that this is one of his maturest performances playing in the pocket with TT.
I loved the slow 'Palm Moon Plaza', a tour-de-force of Henderson guitaring sounding much like Jeff Beck, that builds with intensity until the repeated single guitar note over some rich beds of keyboard sound and then the delicate Kinsey piano culmination.
'Gravity' sounds like it could have been off 'Nomad', 'Illicit' or 'Face First' A tight ripper of a track that is less organic than some of the other tracks. That's not a criticism but rather an observation as I was thinking prior to hearing 'X' that this album may have been complete improvisation. I am glad it's not. It's a great album and up there with their best albums - although I don't think this surpasses what they have already achieved.
These are funny guys - you open the liner notes - and... I'll not spoil the fun. Needless to say all through this album and culminating in the announcement of 'Corn butter' the final track, you know they're laughing in a Zappa-esque kind of way.
I am happy - another Tribal Tech album to savour, to be enthralled, amused and entertained for a long time to come.
P.S. Please, please - we need a live DVD of Tribal Tech for the fan base outside the USA.
'Face first' (See -a great youtube taster of the group).
*Scott Henderson has played in bands with some of the greatest musicians including Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, Victor Wooten, Jeff Berlin and Steve Smith. He teaches at the Guitar institute, won a number of Guitar Player awards including the best blues album with 'Dog Party' - which is pretty impressive for a jazz guitarist. His style is an amazing blend of Hendrix and Holdsworth with a wicked dreadlock twist.
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