Reviewed by Julian Fairall

DARREN MICHAELS: Green
This was a CD I was most extremely happy to get my hands on. I’d read about Darren Michaels a while ago, and heard a few brief sound clips from his web site [http://www.darrenmichaelsbass.com], and “Green” was an album I’ve wanted to hear for some time. But in all honesty, this is one of those albums that at first sounds really good, and it is..make no mistake – this boy can play, but it doesn’t really go anywhere. Not to sound pernickety, but Michael Manring’s done this all before, only a lot better. I can’t really put a finger on it, but it’s almost like the songs were played without much consideration for arrangement and altogether dynamic. Now I know that one man’s poison is another man’s fun, but the whole “world music” or “new age” tag works really well, only when accompanied by strong material – and sadly, in my opinion, the material is not as good as the playing. I’d be really interested in Michaels’ other album, “Equilibrium”.

Overall: a nice solo bass album for those that enjoy solo bass, but IMHO, sadly lacks the spice to elevate Michaels into the big leagues.

ALTERED: Graphic
I must confess to loving music like this. Serious chops with “left-of-centre” music always has interested me; and Altered [http://alteredjazz.com] make some great music. If you enjoy well crafted, well executed, slightly sick music – in the vein of Zappa, mid-70’s Miles and a whole lotta fusion thrown in for good measure – then rush out and buy this album right now! [http://cdbaby.com/cd/altered2] Bassist John Flitcraft has got some serious game, but he is best when he’s laying down some of the nastiest lines I’ve ever heard. His pizzicato attack on his MTD 5 string is stunning, as is his punchy yet understated tone. It’s the kind of overall album I will admit, will either have you reaching for the repeat or eject buttons. But it’s fresh and exciting, and best of all, it’s a musician’s album without being overly pretentious.

Overall: the trio format (which I enjoy) works so well. All three of these guys can lay it down with the best out there, and they do – but this is not an ego album…this is a great album!