I know this New York City-based outfit is better known as a jazz and groove quartet than a rock band, but I find ulu's eclectic brand of progressive fusion both a refreshing and relevant change of pace. With jam-band versatility, Miles Davis-like finesse and rock 'n' roll attitude, ulu defies categorization. No wonder these guys were the only instrumental group (and perhaps one of the only groups that still matter today) to perform at Woodstock '99. Thanks to a relentless touring schedule that's bound to bring the band to your town sooner or later, ulu are steadily making their presence known with cool hippie-jam songs that sound like Medeski, Martin & Wood -- on drugs.
On Nerve, the band's fourth album, these guys stretch their boundaries even further by incorporating gospel influences, actual singing, and spoken-word grunts and guffaws. With a slew of instruments (clavinet, organ, moog, piano, drums, percussion, tenor sax, flute, and electric and acoustic basses) and no guitars, ulu crafts funky soundscapes that are sometimes dense, sometimes airy and always intriguing. Plus, ulu's version of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" is one of the best covers I've heard all year.
Nerve reinforces my belief in ulu, a band I've been following since I heard its 1998 self-titled debut. Belying its title, this album offers music for nearly every mood, although most of these 13 tracks will end up making you feel rather happy, anyway.
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
