CAB4

Regrettably, this style of jazz/rock fusion is not being championed by many younger musicians these days. But the seasoned veterans seem to keep re-grouping in different combinations, and once in a while they really do it up right. CAB is one of those groups, and their third cd, CAB4, is the best of their output. This album charges right out of the gate with the hard driving, groove-laden "Hold On", and sets the pace for the rest of the album. Not that there aren't some nice slower tunes too, but you LIVE for the typical showcase spots that let the soloists shine: Brunel is a fantastic master of the fretless bass, Chambers is a peerless drummer, Auger and Rushen add great atmospheres and riffs on keyboards, and MacAlpine never sounded better - he's left behind the metallic shred that crept into a couple of songs on the CAB1 cd, and lets his jazz chops shine like the sun here on this one. At close to 67 minutes long, this cd contains such a nice balance of groove, drive, funk, jazz and energy - and you'll remember the melodies long after the music stops! Reminiscent of bits from Return to Forever, Larry Coryell, Bill Bruford, Weather Report, Chick Corea's Elektric Band, and others from the 70's and 80's, this album is a great addition to the fusion canon.

With great musical rides at the lowest fares possible, you'll want to catch this CAB. 4-1/2 stars