Remember Jan Hammer and Jeff Beck jamming together with lead
tradeoffs ad libitum forever amen? You will hear many similarities in
guitar legend Holdsworth and keysman Jens Johansson springboarding off
each other. A big difference soon unfolds -- this duo just plain smokes,
cutting early into the fast lane and getting right down to business.
Things overall are compositionally interesting, noticeably precise, big
and phat, just more intriguing than those Hammer/Beck excursions. It
immensely helps havin' monster-everywhere drumming, a veritable
demon-wind blowin' at their backs like Anders Johansson kept rock
steady.
It was refreshing to hear Holdsworth get funked up and get in
a rockin' groove thang for a change on many cuts. His guitar tone
seemed bigger -- perhaps augmented in places with some background
triggered synth-echo delays and textures. Jens Johansson was outstanding
in his mosaic of keyboard styles and voicings. He nearly duplicates
that signature Holdsworthian lead phrasing. An expertly interwoven
synthesis of sound and rhythm is present. Great jazz-rock fusion happens
here.
An intensity propels this musical meeting. Drummer Anders
Johansson and Jens Johansson have roots that dig deep: playing with
axe-shredder Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, Ronnie James' Dio, and a
host of other metal ventures. Latter-day Mahavishnu Orchestra bassist
Jonas Hellborg has collaborated with the Johansson brothers as well.
Simply put, herein lies vast versatility. Invite guitar genius and
innovator Allan Holdsworth over to jam and you spark unforgettable
fireworks of furious fusion. Holdsworth fans, this is a must. Rockers
and jazz-rock fusionists alike will delight in this recording. John W. Patterson
Tracklist :
1 Joint Ventures 5:48
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
2 Beef Cherokee 4:02
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
3 On the Frozen Lake 4:
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
4 Mission Possible 5:15
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
5 Good Morning Mr. Coffee 7:25
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
6 Siouxp of the Day 4:02
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
7 On the Fritz 5:24
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
8 Tea for One and a Half 6:22
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
9 Never Mind Our Weather 5:54
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
10 Macrowaves 1:09
Anders Johansson / Jens Johansson
Performer – Allan Holdsworth, Anders Johansson, Jens Johansson
