Pannekeet, Udo: Electric Regions

Udo Pannekeet is the current bass player for the Dutch progressive rock band Focus who recently released a fantastic album titled 11. Well, Pannekeet is back with his sophomore release titled Electric Regions, the follow up to his 2013 debut album On which I have not yet heard.

On the new album Pannekeet (bass, synth-bass, synths, vocals, drum programming) is joined by a stellar cast of musicians including:
Marcel Serierse (drums, percussion)
Rein Godefroy (piano, synths)
Jelle Roozenburg (guitars, baritone guitar)
Martijn Van Iterson (guitar)
Eef Albers (guitar)
Menno Gootjes (guitar)
Tim Langedijk (guitar)
Ilja Reijngoud (trombone)
Jan Van Duikeren (trumpet)
Nils Van Haften (saxophones, bass clarinet)
Tom Beek (tenor saxophone)
Remco De Landmeter (flutes)
René Ten Cate (vibraphone)
Jos De Haas (percussion)

The first track “Electric Regions Part One� is the show piece of the album with a running time of approximately twenty-three minutes. The beginning is quite mellow with synths and Pannekeet’s fluid bass lines setting the mood. The groove develops crisply and the fantastic musicianship begins in earnest. Awesome keyboard, trombone, guitar and saxophone solos following suit. Its prog, jazz, fusion all rolled into one outstanding piece with the entire band at their creative best. Lots of dynamic shifts, tempo changes and varying shades of coloured sound. “Integration Yes� is a jazzy fusion piece highlighted by outstanding drums and percussion. When the tempo increases the entire band shows just how skillful they are as the playing becomes quite intense. The bass playing in the mellow “Little Nura� is another worthy highlight as is the ripping and slightly chaotic lead guitar in “The Antibes Situation� where there is also a cool electronic sound coursing its way through the piece. The last track “Cocon Cocon� features more outstanding band interplay with the drums, bass, trombone, guitar and sax forming the instrumental fireworks. It’s also pretty catchy fusion as well.

Electric Regions is a no brainer for those who like progressive fusion. Of course, fans of Focus will want this as well. Highly recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Electric Regions Part One (23:15)
2. Integration Yes (5:50)
3. Little Nura (3:02)
4. The Antibes Situation (4:50)
5. Cocon Cocon (6:17)

Added: March 20th 2020
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1051
Language: english

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