Everybody Wins

EDITORIAL REVIEWS
If told about a band that consisted of only keyboards and drums, one wouldn t be faulted for thinking, Where s the rest of the group? But one listen to Amendola Vs. Blades the funky California-based duo of Wil Blades on Hammond B3 organ and clavinet and Scott Amendola behind the kit and all fears will be assuaged. Blades cutting solos and deep bass lines make for a thick stew of soulful harmony and daring improvisation. And Amendola s beats are simply unstoppable, simultaneously pushing the duo to heights unknown and sending the listener into a joyful sonic trance. On their latest album, Everybody Wins, the organ/drums duo is bursting not only with creativity, but with personnel. The recording sees contributions from guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise), saxophonist Skerik (Les Claypool, Garage A Trois), percussionist Cyro Baptista (Herbie Hancock, Sting), and keyboardist Rob Burger (Tin Hat Trio, Laurie Anderson). Unsurprisingly, the music is as outsized as the roster of guest musicians. Moving between any number of styles and moods, Everybody Wins is sure to expand minds and preconceptions. The opening Hi-Lo is a thrilling, dark-hued funk piece with some odd-meter progginess thrown in. Fess Up (Before Ya Mess Up) is a New Orleans groove paying tribute to NOLA piano great Professor Longhair. Wall Town is a laid-back, but purposeful latin-jazz number featuring some shimmery soloing from Parker. And Hambela works with a boogaloo groove recalling Lou Donaldson s Blue Note LPs from the late 60s. Fabulous:Stupendous features Rob Burger adding lush synth strings, and vintage keyboard sounds to the predominantly through composed Amendola composition, which propels the track into deep aural dimensions. The standout track, however, might be the epic Metropolian Hustle, that begins in an experimental vein before moving into jittery jazz and psychedelic dub. The song has a special emphasis on collectivity. More than just a confluence of friends and influences, Everybody Wins is a celebration of Blades and Amendola s decade-plus adventure together. The musicians first united in 2006 to perform the Duke Ellington album Far East Suite and the ball hasn t stopped rolling since. And quite evidently, there is no end in sight as Amendola Vs. Blades have delivered what is arguably the tastiest, most inventive organ/drums album to be had in modern jazz this year.

Number of Discs: 1

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