Katché, Manu: Unstatic

France born drummer Manu Katché became famous in the '80s as a session musician best known for his work with Peter Gabriel, Sting and Robbie Robertson. He released his first solo album It's About Time in 1992 and although he started out in rock music has since gone on to jazz with his subsequent solo albums. His latest release Unstatic continues that trend.

I have always dug his style but have never delved into his solo output until now. In the band are Ellen Andrea Wang (upright bass, vocals), Jim Watson (acoustic piano), Tore Brunborg (saxophones) and Luca Aquino (trumpet). Besides drums Katché also provides vocals. There are a few guest musicians as well adding trombone and percussion on a few tracks.

This is a delightful contemporary jazz album with an undeniable upbeat nature, exuding a positivity energy which is so sorely needed in the world we live in. The beginning percussion in the album opening "Introducción" reminded me immediately of Steely Dan. The playing throughout is vibrant but with a deft of touch melding a delicious groove with melodic piano and a joyful trumpet solo. More highlights include the spry "City" with its excellent electric piano, the infectious groove in the title track featuring more stellar sax, trumpet and organ and the easy flowing "Rolling" with its more relaxed atmosphere. Really, every very track is highly enjoyable.

Katché's patented syncopated grooves, warm melodies and all around great musicianship weave through these eleven tracks making this one as enjoyable as jazz gets for me. Highly recommended!

Track Listing:
1. Introducción
2. Unstatic
3. Flame%Co
4. City
5. Blossom
6. Daze Days
7. Rolling
8. Ride Me Up
9. Trickle
10. Out Of Sight
11. Number 11

Added: September 26th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1408
Language: english

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