Though they are often lumped in with the jam-band scene (probably thanks to their wild live shows), Garaj Mahal are at their core a jazz-fusion band. Their latest effort wOOt is a spirited affair, an instrumental smorgasbord of 70's styled fusion, funk, jazz, rock, and well, more than a fair share of jamming. Kick off track "Semos" is a complete scorcher, Alan Hertz' tricky drum fills & Kai Eckhardt's nimble bass grooves providing the busy framework for the exposive keyboard explorations from Eric Levy, who conjures up images of Corea, Zawinul, and Hammer on this barnburner. When Levy trades blistering, complex lines with guitarist Fareed Haque, look out! The pulsating funk of "Hotel" recalls On the Corner era Miles with some of Jeff Beck's 70's material, Eckhardt's deep grooves popping and bopping while Levy lays down some splendid electric piano vamps. Guest trombone player Adam Theis drops in a sultry solo midway on this one, eventually giving way to an extended Wes Montgomery-styled jazz guitar solo courtesy of Haque. Other highlights here include the complex, Return to Forever inspired fusion gem "Pundit-Ji", Levy's keyboard workout on "7 Cows Jumping Over The Moon" (where he uses just about every type of instrument he has), the gorgeous "Corner Peace" (images of Corea and DiMeola abound on this one), the blues workout "Uptown Tippitinias", and the extended 'jam' that is "Jamie's Jam", which sees the whole band launch into some furious exchanges.
Yeah, it's no secret these guys can really smoke on their instruments (wait till you hear Eckhardt's "Bass Solo"), but more importantly they have written some highly memorable instrumetal fusion songs here that will keep you coming back for more. wOOt is another impressive release from this consistently impressive outfit.
Track Listing
1. Semos
2. Hotel
3. Pundit-Ji
4. Bass Solo
5. 7 Cows Jumping Over The Moon
6. Corner Peace
7. Ishmael And Isaac
8. Uptown Tippitinias
9. Jamie's Jam
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