Search - Eddie Roberts :: Roughneck

The New, New Mastersounds

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 11/20/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The million dollar question is, what's the difference between the New Mastersounds and Eddie Robert's Roughneck project? In a word, Roughneck is jazzier. True, the New Mastersounds always employed Jazz, but with more of an emphasis on the Funk and Rock. In this environment, the Funk factor is turned down, but never off. Indeed, while this is an Eddie Roberts solo project, it feels like it could have been a New Mastersounds album. This isn't surprising considering that all of the guys from the New Mastersounds assist with Bob Birch stepping out as the full-time keyboardist. While things get off to a slow start, the third track kicks things off with a highlight. 'Diggin' Around' is a jazz composition that cooks with the flames on high. Despite being an Eminem tune, 'Lose Yourself' is one of several straight jazz nuggets. 'Eazin' Down' features hip-hop infused beats with samples. In the spirit of Blue Note's "Blue Break Beats," 'Diggin' Deeper' combines straight jazz with dance beats. Perhaps inspired by guitarist Gábor Szabó, 'Szabo' is a stand-out that features that great vintage rock guitar featured so prominently in Roberts' other band. 'Roughneck Dub' is the tune that pays homage to psychedelia. The background guitar riff and pulsating dance rhythms make this tune intoxicating. While Roughneck may be an Eddie Roberts solo project, this is not a guitar album. Compared to their other group, Roberts and Birch share the same amount of improvisational floor space. As a stylistic break, the production for this album sounds more contemporary than vintage. While Roughneck is infused with Rock, Funk, Latin and Dance, it is done so with Jazz sensibilities. While the New Mastersounds play music that is infused with Jazz, it feels like it is from a school of Rock; this music feels like it's coming from a world view that is deeply rooted in serious Jazz. Indeed, this album could be appreciated by both Jazz purists and jambanders. Let's be grateful for music that brings people together.



Beware: With two different covers, this album has four entries through Amazon. Each one seems more expensive than the other. At the time of review, the consumer could pay up to $35.00 for "Roughneck." The music is identical on all releases. For the least expensive version, click me."