Big Blast [Import]

Kombo | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 20, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Mca Japan
• ASIN: B00003WG4K
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Keyboardist Ron Pedley and guitarist John Pondel co-lead Kombo, which also includes electric bassist Matt Bissonette and drummer Gregg Bissonette. In the late '80s, Pedley and Pondel, based in L.A., were members of the fusion band Uncle Festive. Later, Pondel moved to New York, where he got involved in acid jazz, but they've been reunited here by Verve producer Bud Harner, a former Uncle Festive drummer. Kombo can be seen as part of the hammond b-3 revival movement, rooted in the traditions of Jimmy Smith and Booker T & The MGs, but it has some distinctive qualities - most obviously a more laid-back, if funky, approach than most groups of its type. Pedley is a relaxed keyboardist and thoughtful improvisor who doesn't mind being subtle, as he demonstrates on "Ladies Man." Although he mostly plays B-3, he also plays electric piano, Farfisa organ, and clavinet. Like John Patton, he can play quite melodically. His work on "Never There" shows that he can swing hard, too. Like Pedley, Pondel is a technically proficient performer - dig his double-timing on "Green Onions" - who blends jazz and R&B influences smoothly. Incidentally, the last track on this CD, "Hidden Blues," is deliberately not listed and doesn't begin until about a minute of silence has elapsed on the selection. It's not clear that this makes sense because it's the best cut on the CD, a straightahead 1960s-type blues on which Pedley and Pondel play tasty, gem-like solos.

--- Harvey Pekar, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A smooth and groovy kind of jazz..., September 29, 2001

By 

Ptolemy (Pella) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Blast (Audio CD)

Ron Pedley on the Hammond B3 organ is a true joy to listen to. And Jon Pondel brings funky electric guitar riffs to the forefront -- along with the excellent playing of Matt and Gregg Bissonette. I listened to this album twice straight through when I first got it, and now it has become one of my favorites to leave in the CD player. Smooth, funky, and yet very modern. Highly recommended.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kombo is Awesome and Driving, November 28, 1999

By 

William Powell (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Blast (Audio CD)

With all the good jazz organist out there, this is an upbeat tempo, modern and up to date. Great style, a magnificent album to add to your jazz organist collection. 10 star.....

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Super Duper Combo, September 6, 2000

By 

Jerry A Lonn (Schenectady, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Blast (Audio CD)

This band is so good. I went to a concert they had out here at a local banquet house. If you think the CD sounds great, you ought to hear them LIVE. Wow, did they blow my socks off! There's nothing like sitting right in front of the bandstand for that unbelievable live sound. It sounded just like being in a recording studio. It was a fantastic concert I will never forget!