Customer Reviews

Outbreak

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

. . . and it might as well've been Dennis Chambers.

Do what? Record the first great New Millenium jazz/fusion disc. Seeeeyaaaa MMW, Uberjam, Voodoo Dogs, even Metalwood (who hold a special place in my heart).

This set takes no prisoners. Dennis Chambers, ur-funkmeister, lets everything loose on Outbreak, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

It all starts with Chambers' monster chops. With the deepest, funkiest, grooviest, back-beatin'est approach to his kit in the history of funk-jazz, Chambers lays down the gauntlet. Ably picked up by a roster that reads like a whose who of funk-meisters, including the Brecker Bros., Will Lee, Gary Willis, Bob Malach, Matthew Garrison, Danny Sadownick, Sco, Jim Beard, and lots of others, this disc literally comes roaring out of the gate with "Roll Call." "Otay," with its impossibly cookin'-bubbly vibe established thanks to Gary Willis e-bass, its trademark Sco scorchin' wah-wah craziness, its Jim Beard synth-funk, and Chambers' over-the-top fatback drummin' admirably keeps things jumping.

With "Groovus Interruptus" we're in uncharted territory. From it's opening snare snaps to its mean tenor stylings courtesy of Michael Brecker, sounding as convincing as he's ever sounded, to its weird plink-plunk keyboard stylings eminating from Jim Beard's clavinet, this track cooks with some kind of supercharged neo-funk never before heard, but entirely natural- sounding.

And it just doesn't let up. One would think there'd be a respite, a resting on one's laurels. Doesn't happen. Instead, if anything, the heat just gets cranked up another notch with "Paris on Mine," courtesy of some truly scorching guitar work from Jon Herrington. "In Time," the next cut, establishes some kind of super-hip world-jazz groove with its way-funky conga opening, its ripe horn fills, and spicy bass-drum interaction.

And the intensity just never abates. "Plan B," by the great and underrated guitarist Dean Brown, keeps the groove expanding. The title cut starts out with an outrageously powerful drum figure, augmented by some serious Brecker sax and what can only be described as over-the-top Fender Rhodes stylings by Beard. Brecker's solo, beginning around the three-minute mark, burns with an intensity and authority only to be--dare one say it--casually destroyed by a mind-boggling drum solo from Chambers. Some spacy Rhodes work from Beard serves as a kind of bridge unitl Brecker comes storming back, all the while pushed to the limits by Chambers' screaming drum kit. Sound intimidating. Incredibly, it's not. It's just the highest-level fun one can imagine.

With "Baltimore, DC," we're in some kind of funkadelic time warp, combining a Sly Stone/Parliament vibe with Sco at his earthiest. The last cut, the James Brown vehicle "Talking Loud and Saying Nothing," comes across as some kind of "I can blow you out of the water without even trying" thang: funk so casually worn as to be effortless.

Hey, I don't even especially like this kind of music; it certainly wouldn't be my first choice of sounds to select from my vast jazz collection. But there's something way beyond normal happening here that vaults this into some kind of jazz-funk seventh heaven, which only the terminally tin-eared would care to pass by.

After spending countless hours watching dennis chambers drum videos, I finally got the opportunity to buy his CD. Oh, my God, I think I just died and gone to heaven. This is a FUNK/FUSION must for all the drummers out there. Believe me, I'm going to school for drums, and I think this my holy bible. My favorite song has to be OTAY with that nasTy (with a capital T) bassline. Yes it is in 4/4, he just changes the beat around. When I first heard this song while driving, I could of sworn I almost drove off the road. Every song is SOLID. This is some blazin' funk/fusion for all you drummers like myself that aren't too big into straight ahead.

While not an atypical record Outbreak is full of smart thinking and playing. Witty, tasteful horn arrangements and the interactive, strong quartet playing with those like John Scofield and Gary Willis capture attention at first hearing. Add the fresh, groovy stuff from Jim Beard on Wurlitzer, Rhodes and clavinet. This is one of the rare fusion&funk albums worth hearing!

Terrific album. Drumming albums can be very inconsistant especially if that drummer doesn't compose. The different composers on this album are apparently all pulling in the same direction and coupled with the vast experience of Mr Chambers this album is great fun. My favourite is 'Talking Loud And Saying Nothing' James Brown would be very proud. Buy it!

Dennis is one of the busiest drummer in the world.His musical backgrounds are so diverse,and his technique is superb.And this album is just like a Gary Wills solo album. The taste is just like a serious funky fusion album.Dennis does not show off his techniques here.Dennis is not a leader here,but only an organizer.Many stellar guests appear in this CD.This is a showcase of how Dennis developed his own career in the musical industry.This Cd demonstrates his ability to push the total sounds resourcefully.I recommend this to "TRIBAL TECH"fans in the world.Cool enough to kill the donkey smooth jazz music!

If you like music then you'll love this CD from Dennis Chambers. It's brilliantly played and produced with a fat bass and drum sound as well as a crackling heat to the horn/guitar lines. There's some great keyboard work happening as well. I am not really sure what it is that they are putting in the water in Gloustershire UK but the previous reviewer (with due respect) needs urgent professional counselling if he can seriously only give this CD one star. There are many ho-hum jazz funk fusion records out there but this ain't ho-hum. The tunes are good and the playing is top notch. What the hell else do you need?

I had high hopes when I purchased this CD and while it has it's moments I was hoping for more from Dennis. I have seen Dennis with John Scofield, Niacin, and CAB so I know fully well how phenomenal he is on the drums, which is why I expected more. Dennis is a powerhouse drummer with incredible chops and a superb feel for the groove, he can funk it up with anyone.

I am more impressed with his work with Mike Stern, Scofield, CAB, Niacin, etc, than I am with what is on this disc. Hopefully next time around Dennis comes out with guns blazing. This is a decent CD but not his best, simple as that. And yes, he still remains one of the most incredible drummers I have ever seen.

www.electriceyes.us

Dennis Chambers is a monster. Giving this album only 1 star is a crime.

This is the absolute best drummer of all time. hands, speed, technique, etc. etc. etc.....

I was very familiar with Chambers work with various artists including the jazz-fusion group Niacin and decided to give this one a go.
What a great disc! Chambers and his All-Star Jazz lineup which includes John Scofield, the Brecker Bros., Gary Willis and others put out an outstanding sound!
From the first track to the last this is a very uplifiting, enjoyable cd. Pick it up!