DEDALUS

Dedalus' stellar self-titled debut is a prime example of 70's jazz rock experimentation at its finest. All members are excellent musicians, displaying a knack for mixing jazz, funk, rock, and a touch of avant-garde, laced with psychedelia. I won't go into the deatils of very track, but I'll go over a couple high points. The opening number, "Santiago," displays the band's versatility by injecting a psychedelic space-out section that reminds me of Jimmy Page using the bow on his guitar for Led Zeppelin's "Dazed and Confused", although I believe Dedalus is using an electrified cello in this section. The track "CT 6" has one of the coolest jazz rock grooves I have ever heard, and I wouldn't be surprised if some hip hop artist has sampled it already. The album must really be heard by anyone interested in experimental jazz rock from the 70's. The band would go off the deep end for their follow up, "Materiale Per Tre Esecutori E Nastro Magnetico," which is also included on my CD copy, and I won't go into that here. Anyway, Dedalus' debut is essential listening for jazz rock aficionados. 5 stars!