Search - :: Abstract Logic

The Dawn of the Hellborg/Lane Era

Jeff Arenson | Colorado Springs, CO United States | 02/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Abstract Logic" was the first of many Hellborg/Lane collaborations and is also possibly the best. The songs are the most orchestrated out of all their discs. Also, there are solo pieces by every member of the band. "Serpents and Pigs" as well as "Rice with the Angels" showcase the abilities of all three members of the band in a group setting. Check out Kofi, Ginger's son, cleaning house on "Rice with the Angels". Why this is the only disc that he did with these guys is beyond me. "Pluie De Entincelles" is Shawn letting the world know that he can compose for and play the piano with the same amount of skill as he can with a guitar. Romantic period virtuosity is abound in this short piece. "Layla Attar" is the solo work from Jonas and bassists should be impressed by the Swede's fretless prowess. "Abstract Logic" is a thing of beauty. If the song didn't have an ending it would be proof of perpetual motion. This is the best tune on a disc of great tunes. Lane and Hellborg don't allow their solos to overtake the unique melody of this work. "Put the Shoe on the Other Foot" is Kofi Baker's polyrhythmic solo. It is also very good and will probably get you to ask the aforementioned question to yourself. "Throwing Elephant and Wrestling" is the closer to this too short disc. You will only be wanting more when this song ends. This Cd was the beginning for one of the greatest pairings in fusion history and what a start it was. Highly recommended for all."

Short but priceless - get it while it's in print!

UFO6 | Los Angeles, CA USA | 02/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc is fairly short - I don't have it with me but I think it's under 50 minutes - but what's packed into that time is some of the most excellent jazz fusion improv I've ever heard. Kofi Baker is on a par with Jeff Sipe in handling the odd syncopation and time signatures typical of Hellborg/Lane compositions. Hellborg shines on the bass solo piece "Layla Attar" but his frenetic interaction with Lane's rhythm, particularly on "Serpents & Pigs" is phenomenal. Lane's guitar work, as on nearly everything he's ever recorded, ("NEARLY??" - Ok, delete that...,) is an absolute feast for anyone who loves the sound of the electric guitar.
But what really shocked me about this disc is the fact that Lane is as phenomenal on piano as he is on guitar - a fact amply demonstrated in his solo piano piece "Pluie de Etincelles", which could easily be mistaken for a Rachmaninoff Etude.
Anticipation of any release by Hellborg & Lane has become for me one of life's great pleasures, but to discover such "new" talent on piano is like finding treasure. I hope Lane records many, many more piano works in the future.This album has been bouncing between "In print" and "Out of print" for years, so grab yours now - you will NOT be disappointed."

The best music ever

Kernan W. Mann | 03/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"hellborg is a top of the line bass player --with credentials to prove it-shawn lane is one of the most creative , innovative and expressive guitarists to have graced the earth in the last 30 years-a most unfortunate loss -as always this kind of talent can only attract a world class drummer-in this case-kofi baker -son of ginger--a must have for any serious listener"