Andreas Oberg – Six-String Evolution…with John Patitucci, Lewis Nash, Dave Kikoski and Darmon Meader – Resonance Records RCD-1015 63:31, ****½:
(Andreas Oberg – electric and acoustic guitars, vocal; Darmon Meador – saxophones, vocal; Filo Machado – vocals, vocal percussion; Dave Kikoski – piano & Rhodes; John Patitucci – acoustic and electric bass; Decebal Badilla – electric bass; Lewis Nash – drums; Charlie Bisharat – violins; Enzo Todesco – percussion; Anton Steixner – cajon; Marius Preda – cymbalon; John Beasley – synthesizer, percussion, vibes)
Educated in Sweden at the prestigious Stockholm Royal Music Academy, Andreas Oberg has evolved into a masterful and creative jazz musician. While a student of fusion guitarists, like Lee Ritenour and Robben Ford, his playing is strongly influenced by the dulcet tones of George Benson and Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and Pat Metheny. He is able to embrace traditional jazz with a youthful modern potency.
In his sophomore effort for Resonance Records, Oberg has fashioned an impressive and melodious assortment of songs. Utilizing a versatile lineup of expert musicians, the music is lush, full, but never overwhelmed by its own abundance. With a generous 11-song tracklist, Oberg is able to demonstrate his mastery of guitar technique and musical styles. There is a plethora of harmonic playing by the ensemble, enhancing the subtle, yet meticulous production.
The CD opens with a breezy Latin jazz piece, Papa Gato, and then transitions into the bop opus, Madame Grenouille, which features a precise lead interplay between guitar and piano. Clearly a devotee of Brazilian Jazz. There are two well crafted songs, MeunBom Velho and Amar a Marie, which showcase Oberg’s fluent guitar interpretation and bandleader acumen. Oberg’s playing is especially on display with the ballads, We’ll Be Together and the original composition, Dawn Ballad.
The musical homages extend to the 70s popular music, with versions of Stevie Wonder’s From the Bottom of My Heart, Gino Vanelli’s Brother to Brother and Michael Sembello’s Maniac. A fusion based standout, Archibald’s Dance gives the band an opportunity to explore tempo changes and improvisation. Also included is a turn on the Les McCann-Eddie Harris classic Compared to What, with a notable piano solo by Dave Kikoski.
TrackList: Papa Gato: Madame Grenouille: We’ll Be Together Again; Archibald’s Dance; From the Bottom of My Heart; Meu Bom Velho (My Dear Sir); Brother to Brother; Amar a Maria (To Love Maria); Compared to What; Dawn Ballad; Maniac
— Robbie Gerson
