5

FRAGILE were a Jazz/Fusion band out of Japan, a trio of bass, drums and guitar and they were players. All instrumental and they were very consistent at releasing their music as we got ten studio albums from 1996 to 2011. And no lineup changes over those ten albums, in fact the only difference is the addition of guest guitarist Mike Stern on the previous album to this "Wet One" from '99 where he guests on three tracks.

This 2000 release sounds amazing and to hear each of these guys do their thing at such a high level is a real treat. I have a few of their records but "5" is my favourite, the most consistent and impressive, a keeper. They change things up nicely here with a variety of tunes including the pretty "Snow Tulip" with the impressive bass. That opener "Vacuum Bottle" is a powerful start with that heavy rhythm section and the guitar soloing over top. The closer "Cosmos" matches that but in more of a rock style. In fact it surpasses the opener in heaviness and it's my favourite. "Dagon Fish" is about the tempo changes and outbursts. More of that energy and power on "Latte" including a bass solo. "Belvedere" has some funky bass while they amp it up on "Daisy" before settling back on "Fuchsia" with synth guitar.

I don't love this style of Jazz/Fusion but I sure admire it. Apparently when they first started they were a five piece with sax and keyboards but those two left before that first '96 debut. For fans of complex jazzy music.