Search - Chad Wackerman :: Legs Eleven

Incredible Jazz Rock (w/Vibes too) Nice sense of space

Earsby | Norman, OK United States | 12/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chad was Zappa's last truly-great drummer. The nice thing about his drumming is certainly his sense of space. His drumming never, ever gets in the way and he provides a perfect framework for the other players. His group (James Muller, guitar; Leon Gaer, bass; Darryl Pratt, vibes) is obviously a choice Chad made from his love of Zappa and his playing with influencial guitarist Allan Holdsworth. So if you enjoy Frank Zappa's music (especially his instrumentals) or Allan's compelling guitar-based jazz-rock, this will be a real treat. Every time I heard Pratt's vibes kick in I remembered with reverence Zappa's genius with his use of traditionally-orchestral or jazz mallet percussion.



Chad's genius is why Zappa chose him and the drum chair in Zappa's band was a highly coveted spot. Only the finest players and percussionists could even try to play with Frank.



There's a love and energy in all the songs on Legs Eleven and it brings us up to date with what Chad Wackerman is about currently. He plays so tastefully, never overdoes it, and yet the rhythmic complexity and exactness retains its laid-back swing. Highly recommended."