GAVIN HARRISON & ANTOINE FAFARD: CHEMICAL REACTIONS

If you love the drumming of Gavin Harrison, this release is for you. Antoine has changed up the format of his previous fusion albums and showcased a string ensemble. Maria Grig (violins and viola) and Jonathan Gerstner (cello), appear on the first five tracks. It is pleasant listen, but every song seems to blend into the next and they begin to sound the same. As I mentioned, this release really is a showcase of Gavin's drumming. He shows off his skills with syncopated fills and fancy footwork, more shredding than anything I've heard from him. So, if you're a fan of Gavin this is a must listen. The last two tracks have a full orchestra and are nice but nothing mind blowing. And that is why I can't give this more than three stars. A different shade of Antoine, but not one I'll spin as much as his others.