2 Responses

1. Russ Said,

   The category is JAZZ FSUION

   I held the new cd in my hand with some unexpected trepidation, realizing just how high my expectations for this release had soared. As it turns out, I needn’t have been nervous. Chris Poland (guitar), Robertino Pagliari (bass) & Kofi Baker (drums) have taken care of business on this record in amazing fashion. To paraphrase a rock critic’s title of an article written about another band many years ago: If you don’t like OHM:, you’re wrong.

   “Amino Acid Flashback” is a creative, well-written package of 11 songs, delivered with seamless interplay and absolute virtuosity. As the liner notes explain, this music is the culmination of the time and times these guys have spent individually and collectively, growing, learning, and finding common ground to communicate with one another. The more I listen to this record, the more I hear – an attribute this new cd shares with their first self-titled studio effort. There are references to OHM:’s past (DaVinci, Icarus Falls) that are revealed fresh and anew, songs that impact you with their immediacy (Skint, Spun), and works that take the listener to new places (What If, Rooms of Telemetry).

   At various points during this record, each instrument- guitar, bass, drums- becomes a lead instrument. They have the taste and chops to pull this off as soloists, but just as impressively, the two who lay back as the third takes off on an incredible excursion lay down context for the solo to come from within, and propel the musical theme so as not to lose the listener. This is exceptional songwriting as well as playing. Robertino Pagliari shows his mastery of the six string fretless bass, and his mind-blowing dexterity in both conventional and radically different bottom end expression. Pag’s bass is an integral part of the band’s sound and personality. This album marks the first studio release featuring the now-entrenched Kofi Baker as keeper of the beat, with high energy throughout. His drumming is both the lynchpin and an inspiration to the others, and his mark is evident and welcome, as all fans of the band have noted from the “Live at KPFK” cd, and OHM:’s live shows over the past two years. As for Chris Poland, his output continues to create joy and amazement. Great hooks, immediately recognizable tone, timing and feel, liquid waterfall solos where the beginning, middle or end cannot be anticipated, wonderfully out-of-left-field rhythm work, fun with the octaver, univibe, ring modulator, distortion unit, wah, so many squeaks, wonks, squeals, bells, chirps… where does it end (Hopefully never)? Chris is a singular musician, not just a shredder, or an effects freak, jazz snob or avant-garde experimentalist. His vision is fully formed but continues to encompass the new experiences that make him a compelling artist. Chris has game, and this game should be documented in its’ entirety by the so-called “industry publications”- Guitar Player, Guitar World, Jazz Times, Jazziz, Hittin’ the Note, etc.

   Many times I think of OHM: as the Cream of the new millennium, obvious Kofi connection aside, the ultimate JazzRockBluesFusionPowerTrio, for those seeking to define or label it. They take recognized musical forms and turn them inside out, making them all their own, nodding to the past, creating urgency in the present, hinting at the future. Three musicians falling down the stairs and landing on their feet, yet coming together in a tight, unified, telepathy.

   If there is a complaint after listening to “Amino Acid Flashback”, it would be one: Not enough. Not nearly enough music from such talented artists. But we are grateful for what is received from guys who aren’t able to do this for a living full-time. Are you listening, “music industry”? Probably not. Hopefully this release will be welcomed by a community of eager fans- fusion fans, instrumental fans, guitar fans, bass fans, drum fans, or just fans of good music. Those same fans should show their support right now by picking up this cd. OK?

   Posted on March 26th, 2016 at 9:04 pm

2. Russ Said,

   The category is JAZZ FUSION

   I held the new cd in my hand with some unexpected trepidation, realizing just how high my expectations for this release had soared. As it turns out, I needn’t have been nervous. Chris Poland (guitar), Robertino Pagliari (bass) & Kofi Baker (drums) have taken care of business on this record in amazing fashion. To paraphrase a rock critic’s title of an article written about another band many years ago: If you don’t like OHM:, you’re wrong.

   “Amino Acid Flashback” is a creative, well-written package of 11 songs, delivered with seamless interplay and absolute virtuosity. As the liner notes explain, this music is the culmination of the time and times these guys have spent individually and collectively, growing, learning, and finding common ground to communicate with one another. The more I listen to this record, the more I hear – an attribute this new cd shares with their first self-titled studio effort. There are references to OHM:’s past (DaVinci, Icarus Falls) that are revealed fresh and anew, songs that impact you with their immediacy (Skint, Spun), and works that take the listener to new places (What If, Rooms of Telemetry).

   At various points during this record, each instrument- guitar, bass, drums- becomes a lead instrument. They have the taste and chops to pull this off as soloists, but just as impressively, the two who lay back as the third takes off on an incredible excursion lay down context for the solo to come from within, and propel the musical theme so as not to lose the listener. This is exceptional songwriting as well as playing. Robertino Pagliari shows his mastery of the six string fretless bass, and his mind-blowing dexterity in both conventional and radically different bottom end expression. Pag’s bass is an integral part of the band’s sound and personality. This album marks the first studio release featuring the now-entrenched Kofi Baker as keeper of the beat, with high energy throughout. His drumming is both the lynchpin and an inspiration to the others, and his mark is evident and welcome, as all fans of the band have noted from the “Live at KPFK” cd, and OHM:’s live shows over the past two years. As for Chris Poland, his output continues to create joy and amazement. Great hooks, immediately recognizable tone, timing and feel, liquid waterfall solos where the beginning, middle or end cannot be anticipated, wonderfully out-of-left-field rhythm work, fun with the octaver, univibe, ring modulator, distortion unit, wah, so many squeaks, wonks, squeals, bells, chirps… where does it end (Hopefully never)? Chris is a singular musician, not just a shredder, or an effects freak, jazz snob or avant-garde experimentalist. His vision is fully formed but continues to encompass the new experiences that make him a compelling artist. Chris has game, and this game should be documented in its’ entirety by the so-called “industry publications”- Guitar Player, Guitar World, Jazz Times, Jazziz, Hittin’ the Note, etc.

   Many times I think of OHM: as the Cream of the new millennium, obvious Kofi connection aside, the ultimate JazzRockBluesFusionPowerTrio, for those seeking to define or label it. They take recognized musical forms and turn them inside out, making them all their own, nodding to the past, creating urgency in the present, hinting at the future. Three musicians falling down the stairs and landing on their feet, yet coming together in a tight, unified, telepathy.

   If there is a complaint after listening to “Amino Acid Flashback”, it would be one: Not enough. Not nearly enough music from such talented artists. But we are grateful for what is received from guys who aren’t able to do this for a living full-time. Are you listening, “music industry”? Probably not. Hopefully this release will be welcomed by a community of eager fans- fusion fans, instrumental fans, guitar fans, bass fans, drum fans, or just fans of good music. Those same fans should show their support right now by picking up this cd. OK?

   Posted on March 26th, 2016 at 9:04 pm

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