Release : Wayne Krantz - Krantz Carlock Lefebvre
Artist : Wayne Krantz
Album : Krantz Carlock Lefebvre
Genre : Jazz
Source : CDDA
Label : Abstract Logix
URL : http://www.abstractlogix.com/
Date : 00-00-2009
Encoder : LAME 3.97 / -V2 --vbr-new
Quality : 186kbps 44100 kHz Joint Stereo
Tracks : 11
Time : 109:18min
Size : 147.43MB
1 It's No Fun Not To Like Pop 11:31
2 War Torn Johnny 11:17
3 Rushdie 7:59
4 Wine Is The Thread 11:36
5 The Earth From Above 9:07
6 Playground 18:03
7 Jeff Beck 8:34
8 I Was Like 6:11
9 Mosley 6:09
10 Holy Joe 5:44
11 Rugged Individual 13:07
Wayne Krantz - Guitar, Vocals
Keith Carlock - Drums
Tim Lefebvre - Bass
I donÆt know JACK about Wayne Krantz. I mean, I know that he plays guitar and
has some rep among some guitar players. But thatÆs about it. I couldnÆt tell you
anything about him, how long heÆs been playing, who heÆs played with, how many
recordings he has out û zip, nada, nuthinÆ. Now while this admission may call
into question my ôguitar awarenessö among the enlightened, it does make me a
good candidate to review Krantz Carlock Lefebvre, Wayne KrantzÆs debut release
on Abstract Logix Records. This is my introduction to KrantzÆs music and his
playing. And with no preconceptions, expectations, and baggage of what is ôgood
or bad Krantzö, this recording sinks or swims purely on what it IS.
And in my opinion, Krantz Carlock Lefebvre is a KILLER recording.
There are number of small parts that add up to a make this CD a satisfying
whole. After listening to the first couple of tracks, I knew that ôsomethingö
was going on. These guys are playing hard and goinÆ for it on every track, and
the music FEELS good. As particular as I am about musical details, chops, etal,
the music I like most makes me want to eat raw meat and gnaw on bones. This band
hits you on a gut-level û which is something that the classic fusion groups of
the Æ70s did, and a lot of post-fusion groups stopped doing...or couldnÆt do.
As far as playing, the group dynamic seems to be the main focus. So while you
have a basic power trio type of format, Krantz & Co. stay away from the guitar
hero and support players routine. The songs have structure as far as chord
progressions and riffs, but thereÆs plenty of room for improv within them. Not
everything thatÆs ôin the momentö is going to work, but I always give points for
taking chances. And this band is able to pull it off more often than not.
One other point about the songs û all written by Krantz û is that some of them
have hooks! ItÆs kinda rare to find rock/fusion based instrumental music that
has melodies, riffs, AND actual hooks. Although a large percentage of the tracks
have a ôlive in the studioö quality, there are some overdubs. But they are
minimal and add some headphone ear candy bits to some of the tracks.
As my first impression, Wayne Krantz is [obviously] a fine player. But what I
find appealing is the restraint that he showsàwhich is a quality I donÆt always
want in guitar players. You know that he could wail if he wanted to û and he
holds back so much that you actually wish that he would take a five minute solo.
But when he does let it rip he lights it up with some stonkinÆ shit. He has a
gorgeous clean tone; full and not overly Strat-chimey... hard to do when you
play a Strat. Although he uses toys, Krantz doesnÆt always use them (what some
would call) tastefully. Some stomp boxes are there to make noise and create
chaos û more gut-level stuff û which has its place in music. This is another
aspect of KrantzÆs playing that I like.
Although the musicianship is high from each of the players, the MVP award has to
go to drummer Keith Carlock. He ainÆt what IÆd call a ôsmooth drummerö (hardly
any swing), but his propulsive/driving playing is the main factor that creates
the sense of urgency and tension in the tunes that hit this listener at the
visceral gut-level. He plays like heÆs doing 100 miles-an-hour down a steep
mountain road heading toward the edge of a cliff...with no brakes.
I canÆt tell you how many times IÆve been disappointed by lackluster recordings,
by supposedly good guitar players, that have been recommended for me to hear.
Krantz Carlock Lefebvre does not fall into that category. Whether youÆre a fan
of Wayne Krantz û or new to his playing like I am and need a starting point to
check him out û you wonÆt be disappointed. Great stuff!
I hear Wayne Krantz has some ôliveö CDÆs out...hmmmm