IAN CARR'S NUCLEUS: ROOTS

'Roots' is the second Nucleus release in one year. There's hardly any difference with it's predecessor, not in style or sound. The line-up changed drastically though and apart from Carr, only saxophone player Brian Smith seemed secure of his spot.

The title track settles for a slow brooding groove with Nucleus's trademark sax and trumpet leads. It's one of their stronger cuts since the original line-up. But also 'Roots' isn't a consistent album, and the jazz song 'Images', with vocals from Joy Yates, is too run of the mill. 'Caliban' picks up the groovy approach from the opener. This is what we want to hear, inspired psychedelic jazz rock with mesmerizing soloing and engaging rhythms. The drummer and guitarist almost bring back the band's glory days. Excellent piece!

'Whapatiti' has a Latin flavor, very upbeat and extrovert, it slightly recalls Return To Forever. 'Capricorn' is the exact opposite, very slow and subdued. It's a nice piece but its placement after 'Whapatiti' is slightly awkward. Classic Nucleus follows on 'Odokamona', with a typical intricate melody spanning multiple bars. It has the guitar riff more upfront then usually. 'Southern Roots and Celebration' starts with slightly African flavored jazz rock, before it ' much like the title suggests - becomes more upbeat and joyous.

One of Nucleus's stronger albums from their second life. I'm not fully into the jazz vocal and the closing track but apart from those, excellent album. 3.5 stars overall.