Search - Kombu Combo :: Kombu Combo Jazz & World Music

Great first effort by an Amazing Band

Scott S. Davidson | Wilmington, DE | 10/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kombu Combo Jazz & World Music



This is a great first effort by an amazing group of musicians. The band covers Coltrane's Equinox, but makes it their own, with a twisted funk feel via the Bayou by drummer/leader John Digiovanni. On Descent, the band takes you on a journey to a dark night of the soul, with Bitches Brew-like harmonies, a behind-the-beat funk that somehow propels the band forward, a sax solo by Frank Mckitty that is "out" enough to be at home on the Downtown scene in NYC, and a steaming guitar solo by Sean Holz that could give you third degree burns. On Brazilian Wax Digiovanni lays down a fantastic 3/4 Samba funk pattern which has such an original feel but still seems to come from an island somewhere near Cuba. Norm Dorrell plays vibes on this tune, which, along with the incredible unison lines with sax player Mckitty, add a wonderful top end to the piece which blends well with the rest of the band. On Milestones, Digiovanni somehow avoids sounding like a copy of Philly Joe and Art Taylor,but still being informed by the masters,he explosively burns up this tune. Bass player Bob Colligan plays with a crystal clear tone, playing a fast walking bass line that is so steady that I am sure the other musicians felt safe to do almost anything on top. he makes everyone else play and sound better. Mckitty also plays a great sax solo, and kind of sounds like Sonny Rollins, but with his own vibe and sound. In short, I think this is one of the best CDs out this year. I hope they release a full length CD soon."