It’s hard to classify the stew that is the music of Garaj Mahal. A touring band known for its electrifying live performances, the four piece outfit returns with their latest studio effort titled ’”Blueberry Cave.” There is something here for everyone - a little jazz, a lotta drums, a small dose of turntable scratching, and some dirty funk. An all-star band comprised of Fareed Haque on guitar, Kai Eckhardt on bass, Alan Hertz of drums and Eric Levy on keys, Garaj Mahal are joined by special guest DJ Fly Agaric laying down some turntable accents. Between all of them, this band has impressive credentials, having played with Sting, John McLaughlin, George Brooks, Zakir Hussein, and Steve Kimock to name a few.
The album starts off really strong with the funky fest of “The Shadow,” sounding like James Brown meets John McLaughlin and the band really churns it out with an irresistible hook. Next up is “Alvin,” a tad slower syncopated bit of New Orleans grooviness which is guaranteed to inspire new dance moves, with DJ Fly adding just enough. The Eric Levy penned title track is reminiscent of Weather Report, almost like a suite of songs in one, at times a tender melody then soaring improvisation woven around a driving bassline and percussion. Of note here among everything else, is Eckhardt’s lovely bass solo.
Garaj Mahal gets political with “ ‘Spect Rap” and “No ‘Spect” that follows. Atmospheric Indian sitar opens the track, but the song soon turns heavy in both lyric and theme, woven in jazzed up hip hop. “Massive” delivers a techno electronic vibe to break things up, with a highly danceable and infectious groove of drums and bass, overlaid with Middle Eastern guitar and crunchy keyboard. With “Cosmic Elevator,” one hears jazz/rock fusion at its primal; a lovely melody that turns into a Parliament inspired hard driving funkfest. Come on and ride it, indeed.
“Paladin” is a jazz gospel revival, complimented by an exquisite solo by Fareed and wonderful keyboards by Levy. A new song, “Bicycling in Bombay,” brings a cool change of pace with it’s sweet understated introspective melody and feel. “Celtic Indian” closes out the record with a cool balance of lilting melody and eastern rhythms; drummer Alan Hertz drives this tune which harkens back to the Mahavishnu Orchestra in the 70’s.
This cd is well produced - especially of note is the clarity and balance between instruments. Special props go to Hertz who also recorded and mixed the record. Levy really shines here, providing leads, comps and color to all the compositions. Hertz is a jazz powerhouse drummer, combining great feel with skillful playing, and Eckhardt’s bass lines weave in and out of the melodies and evoke memories of the fusion great style of Jaco Pastorious. Of course Fareed Haque’s guitar work is simply divine. It’s easy to hear why this was one of my favorite releases of late 2005.
For more info see: garajmahal.net
