E. Doctor Smith, the inventor of the MIDI percussion instrument called the Drummstick, has released an 8 track Jazz Fusion/Acid Jazz CD called Live with Edo Castro. This performance was captured live at The Sheba Lounge in San Francisco, CA., and features master 7 string bassist Edo Castro. It is truly amazing the sounds and rhythms that these two wonderful musicians are able to come up with in this age of technology. Just as someone like Keith Emerson was able to do with the technology at his disposal in the '70's, E. Doctor Smith is now able to do with technological advances like the Mac Powerbook and some amazing ingenuity.
Live with Edo Castro is a look at two musicians gratuitously combining together to form some gorgeous loops of funky rhythms that allow both musicians to flow in and out of music to create a mass of creative and innovative soloing performances. To truly understand the height of what is being done on the Drummstick would really have to be seen to be truly appreciated. You completely forget that you are NOT listening to an actual drummer, but to a man playing an actual percussive stick, much in the vein of the amazing Chapman Stick that bass players have had now for 30 or so years (kudos to Tony Levin) and to the also equally interesting, Zendrum's. Somewhere Bill Bruford is smiling. These MIDI instruments are such advancement in music technology and to be honest until this review I had never heard of either. But the tones and acoustic sounds that are able to be coaxed out of these instruments is really astounding.
E. Doctor Smith Live with Edo Castro is really 8 songs of nice Jazz improv that reminds the listener of Trance or even some types of House/Club music. It is highly hypnotic and at times could lure you into a state unconsciousness with their soothing smooth Jazz stylings. Funky and innovative, E. Doctor Smith with his Drummstick and counterpart 7 stringed Bass machine, Edo Castro, have turned out a nice easy listening CD here.
Track Listing
1. Neil, Jack & Me
2. Cultural Affairs
3. Torro's Gamble Part 3
4. Haikus for the White House
5. Astral Aura
6. Blue Moon
7. Wish We Were Here
8. All In
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