Two excellent percussion-inspired releases from an emerging jazz label.
Rob Silverman – Drumology Volume II – Autumn Hill Records, 35:02 ****:
(Rob Silverman – drums; Billy Cobham – drums; Todd Sucherman – drums; Casey Grillo – drums; Glen Sobel – drums; John Spinelli- drums; Kenny Arnoff – drums; Michael Silverman – keyboards; Jay Oliver – keyboards; Larry Kornfield – bass; Dweezil Zappa – guitar; Eric Marienthal – saxophone; John Patitucci – bass; John Myung – bass Jerry Goodman – violin; Carmine Appice – drums; Vinny Appice – drums; David Frangione – drums)
Autumn Hill Records (founded in 2007 by Rob And Michael Silverman ) has become a force in modern jazz recording. Their catalogue includes a variety of jazz styles, classical, new age, with awareness of many American-themed genres. Rob Silverman has released a follow up to his 2020 “drumming summit” (Drumology) with all proceeds benefitting the Neal Pearl Fund (for cancer brain research) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Drumology Volume II pairs Silverman with a diverse lineup of fellow drummers and musicians for a spirited exchange of musical ideas. The opening track, “Victory” gets things off to a rousing start as Silverman is joined by Mike Mangini to capture the aural grandiosity of progressive rock (Rush). There are classical piano and synthesizer flourishes. “Sea Spray” utilizes fusion veterans Billy Cobham and Jerry Goodman (both former members of the Mahavishnu Orchestra). John Pattitucci (Chick Corea) adds a jagged effect-laden guitar to the vibrant, eclectic arrangement. There is atmosphere and propulsive drums, framed by synths. Fusion/progressive motifs continue on “Journey To A Crystal Planet”, this time with saxophone (Eric Marienthal) and superb drum fills. Fans of power drumming will appreciate the relentless hard rock sound of the Appice Brothers (Vanilla Fudge) on “U Want Appice Of Me”.
The energy amps up further on the three-drummer explosion “Avalanche” featuring Silverman, Casey Grillo and John Spinelli. Miguel Angelo Batio tears it up on distorted electric guitar. Again, the homage to Styx is alive and kicking. There is a noticeable change of pace on “Moving Mountains”. Silverman is on percussion paired with drummer Glen Sobel. The exotic instrumentation and melody set a ruminative feel until a climactic interlude that includes a drum solo and a return to mellower tones. With a lyrical piano intro, “Timber Falls” adds a contemporary jazz vibe with Marienthal’s prominent saxophone lines. Fittingly, Drumology Volume II has a invigorating finale with the hard-charging “Drum Dreams”, courtesy of Silverman and David Frangione. Yes…there will be a Volume III.
TrackList: Victory; Sea Spray; Journey To A Crystal Planet; U Want Appice Of Me; Avalanche; Moving Mountains; Timber Falls; Drum Dreams.
The Pat Petrillo Big Rhythm Band – The Power Station Sessions – Autumn Hill Records [10-7-2022], ****1/2:
(Featuring Nile Rogers; John Popper; Oz Noy; Lenny Pickett; Felicia Collins; Glen Burtnik; David Cook; Scott Ambush; Steve Jankowski; Tim Tinko; Plinky Giglio)
As a follow up to The Abbey Road Sessions, Pat Petrillo’s Big Rhythm band is releasing a second album, The Power Station Sessions. Petrillo a widely respected drummer and music educator has selected another famous recording studio to showcase his “Americana” instrumentals, with a heavy emphasis on “groove styles”. The opening track (an original) “48th Street” is a shout-out to 70’s New York City. Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers adds some funky, up tempo guitar riffs, reflecting the intermingling of contemporary jazz with a palpable dance beat. This song rocks. On a near big band arrangement Billy Joel’s “Big Man On Mulberry Street” (from The Bridge), Petrillo fronts a layered instrumental tapestry with horns, piano, organ and plenty of drums. In a homage to 60’s shore memories (and maybe a touch of Springsteen and Southside Johnny), “Asbury Daze” deftly recreates the Jersey rock and soul, jaunty resonance with a soulful saxophone and an interesting harmonica run by John Popper. Taking on a jazzier countenance, Steely Dan’s memorable “Black Cow” (from Aja) pays tribute to the formerly East Coast tandem of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Oz Noy’s sinewy guitar lead is a perfect complement to the horn-chorus and hypnotic tempo.
Switching gears, The Beatles magnetic “It Won’t Be Long” is hard-rocking pop, featuring vocals by Glen Burnik, muscular horns, harmonica and synthesized strings gleefully translate the songwriting acumen on The Fab Four. Gearing up, Earth Wind & Fire’s “Running” has that magnetic rhythm, folded into a jazzier Latin-infused translation (including electric piano) with a great tenor saxophone solo and furious drumming by Petrillo (who also provides a breathless solo). With a slower tempo, Stevie Wonder’s lush “Knocks Me Off My Feet” is smooth and flows gently with a soprano sax (Tom Tinko). The listener can appreciate the complicated Wonder chord changes. The selection of “Hey Pocky Way” (popularized by the legendary Crescent City band, The Meters) is groove magic with the “second line” beat and a terrific slide guitar solo (B.D. Lenz). It incorporates many facets of New Orleans lively music into the high-voltage cover.
TrackList: 48th Street; Big Man On Mulberry Street; Asbury Daze; Black Cow; It Won’t Be Long; Runnin’; Global Warning; Knocks Me Off My Feet; Hey Pocky Way
—Robbie Gerson
For more information, visit Autumn Hill Records website:
