Search - Lonnie Plaxico :: Rhythm & Soul

A huge leap forward for the master bassist

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 04/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first of several outings as leader from Plaxico that I've heard that is entirely satisfying. Killer grooves.Intelligent writing.Monster chops from all involved.I'm thrilled. I've always wanted to embrace him as an artist, but I don't think he's really delivered.Until now.Everything works on Rhythm & Soul. What stands out most is George Colligan's spectacular playing. I'm especially taken by his B-3 concept. He brings such rhythmic sophistication and hard groove, as well as ultra tastiness on ballads, that he blows all other B-3 players out of the water. But I'm not surprised. George has been one of the smartest if unsung keyboard masters on the planet for the past few years. His brilliance on "Always Crazy" must be heard to be believed. Jeremy Pelt--not surprisingly--also shines. Check out his soulful solo on "Keyko." Again, no mystery here; Pelt is fast establishing himself as a monster trumpeter. With everyone's favorite drummer Billy Kilson on board, you could hardly ask for a band either more fluid or driving. Add smart up-and-comers Wayne Escoffery (tenor sax), Marcus Strickland (tenor and soprano sax), and Alex Sipiagin (trumpet) and you've got a killer band. And the totally cool and groove-oriented bass stylings by leader Plaxico on both bass guitar and double bass gloriously add weight and grounding to these wonderful proceedings, with his mind-bogglingly virtuoso solo rendition of Mal Waldron's great tune, "Soul Eyes," sure to open a few eyes.The vibe here is updated, funk-drenched soul-jazz, with an altogether appropriate gospel underpinning that leaks through the grooves of most cuts and finally bursts into the open on "I'll Wait and Pray," a gorgeous ballad featuring a totally convincing Marcus Strickland on sax (plus a mind-blowing solo by Plaxico on acoustic bass), and in a refreshing, heartfelt way on the last number, "'Tis So Sweet," featuring the soothing, soulful vocals of Aneilia Lomax.But there are some burners too, e.g., the opener, "Rhythm and Soul," "Dark Side," and "Weather Report," the leader's remarkable tribute to the late, great fusion band of the same name. Then there's the impossibly catchy "Always Crazy," a mid-groovin', funky, post-boppish number featuring some rather astounding drum work by Billy Kilson, a simply great solo by Jeremy Pelt, and a way tasty organ solo by George Colligan. Throw in some killer horn charts, and you've got a classic soul-jazz performance.Entirely satisfying in its breadth, depth, energy, and beauty. Bravo!"