Customer Reviews

Motherbug

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Bay Area's most creative guitarist/ band leader Bernard's "Medicine Hat" debut on major label Antilles was both one of 1998's best and least appreciated discs. He returns with another excellent outing,teeming with a fun eclectic mix of rock-pumped, B3 fueled funked up, blues-tinted, electronica-tinged tunes. Bernard's jazz approach is juicy and sizzling, and his multifaceted vision is glued to a groove, especially on "100 cha chas" and the hip "Motherbug Theme".

I'm always on the prowl for the next guitar god, but being 49 years old I don't get all wet for Steve Vai and Buckethead the way guys half my age do. I heard the title track on the radio, and loved it. It was sensuous, nuance-filled slide with a Hammond B-3 holding up the rhythm track. I thought it might be John Scofield, but it had a little more of that finger lickin' good stuff. It took me almost a month to receive this album, so apparently Will Bernard is not a household name yet. If you like John Scofield, Jeff Beck, Tommy Bolin, Sonny Landreth - you know, the geezers - buy this guy's albume and give him a break. He deserves an audience. He is pointedly a guitar lover's artist, however, so be advised. Eric Clapton he ain't, which is fine by me (I like Clapton, too).

The only reason I didn't give it more stars is that some of the music is a little "out there" for me. That's my age showing, no doubt. Bernard is probably half my age, too. But the good stuff on this album is worth the money and the wait.

This is the second solo outing from Will Bernard, formerly of Peter Apfelbaum's Heiroglyphics Ensemble, and T.J. Kirk. This new quartet, (guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums) plays 9 new tunes in Bernard's trademark writing style; subtle and catchy, yet deep and quite unique jazz/funk heads.

The tone of this album is generally upbeat and bouncy, and almost every tune is very danceable, unlike the dark and brooding "Medicine Hat" recorded in 1998. In addition to Bernard's sparse, yet exciting, keyboardist Michael Bluestein rips several excellent solos, which should be heavy listening for organists like myself. He makes a great showing on this record, and has to, following the excellent performance by Rob Burger on "Hat."

The downsides of this album are that it is not very rhythmically varied compared to Bernard's previous work; Jan Jackson's drumming owes more to the stylings of Dennis Chambers and Clyde Stubblefied than Tony Williams or Jack DeJohnette, like Bernard's former drummer, Scott Amendola (who also shines on T.J. Kirk and some of Charlie Hunter's records.) The result is a four-on-the-floor, funky feel which some listeners may prefer. Also, the production of the record lacks the gritty feel that Lee Townsend lent to "Hat," and at times slightly approaches an acid/smooth jazz sound.

If you like your jazz in the pocket and your funk cut with great improvisation and composition, this is the band for you. Not quite as good as "Medicine Hat," for my tastes, but an awesome, fresh record nonetheless.

I was walked into a room blindfolded for my surprise BD party. Within two beats I knew it was Will Bernard's Motherbug playing. If you're not fortunate enough to have seen these guys live "Motherbug " is the next best thing. Half way through the title cut they had everyone dancing, including my Mom. It's not just any band that can do that!

All fun aside Will's new album is my favorite of his works. "Medicine Hat" was good but "Motherbug" puts a smile on my face. It' got readily accessible grooves to grab you with but enough depth to keep you coming back for more.

"Yeah, um y'all got BBQ?"