CD Review

Oteil Burbridge wastes absolutely no time getting deep into the funk on his latest CD Believer. Burbridge, renowned for being a founding member of the ground breaking Aquarium Rescue Unit and holding the fort down as the bassist for The Allman Brothers Band, takes a confident stand with his band The Peacemakers.

The lead off track “Hit the Hay” features vocalist Paul Henson, belting out his distinct and direct vocals, just as he did with Burbridge in the later years of ARU. Burbridge takes the vocal duties on some of the other tunes, including the gospel heavy “Sweet Lord,” which delivers a patient and soulful guitar solo by Mark Kimbrell. The album’s highlight is “Blue Eyed Sailor,” which showcases the best parts of the Peacemakers, including a heavy helping of Burbridge’s vocal scatting that accompanies his bass solos. Another must hear is the smoking track “Tubby” which has the vibe Blow By Blow, Jeff Beck’s classic jazz rock fusion album.

The Peacemakers have yet to gain much deserving national attention. Hopefully Believer will do the trick, as it offers something for just about everyone. Believer’s heart and soul are both completely filled with Burbridge’s intense spiritual testament. He doesn’t preach at you, instead he delivers his holy message dripping in piping hot funk.