Thom Rotella 4-Tet - Out Of The Blues (review)
Thom Rotella 4-Tet - Out Of The Blues (Four Bar Music)
reviewed by Michael Macomber
Out Of The Blues comes brilliant jazz. Guitarist Thom Rotella takes a back to basics approach on this fabulous album, his first in 5 years. Planting both feet firmly in the blues, he creates jazz that is truly awe inspiring.
“The Dr. Is in” is a smooth cocktail, an effervescent splash of sound. Rich Eames is super cool on the keys, adding an unexpected and delightful flavor. “Never Say Goodbye” features a totally infectious drum intro from Roy McCurdy. As the piano cascades in, followed by Rotella’s gently insistent guitar, the tune ebbs and flows magnificently. Bassist Luther Hughes takes center stage on “Shimmer,” caressing those strings and providing the ideal counterpoint to Rotella. The song positively glows.
“Bluze 4 Youze” takes the record’s concept to its ultimate degree. Llew Matthews kills on piano, mapping out the place where blues and jazz meet. Rotella, of course, is as sharp as they come, exploring every corner of that special zone, making his guitar wail and cry and dance. Hughes has a fantastic, smoky solo. McCurdy’s backbone beat is flawless.
No doubt about it, Out Of The Blues is out of this world.
