Short Reviews [Bernie Mora & Tangent - 2019 - "No Agenda"]

This is the third album from guitarist Bernie Mora and his band Tangent, following on from 2013’s ‘Dandelion’ and 2016’s ‘Transformation’. Before progheads get excited I do need to point out this is nothing to do with the band originally put together as a project by musicians mostly from PO90 and The Flower Kings. Instead of progtastic music, instead we have high octane and high-quality fusion. Mora is not a name I have previously come across, but boy this man can play. He has speed combined with finesse, but also understands there is no need for him always to be at the front of the band and he is always prepared to let others take centre stage if that is right for the music. Here he is joined by Charles Godfrey (drums and percussion), Daniel Becker (bass and acoustic 12-string), Doug Webb (saxophones and flutes), Corey Alley (keyboards) and Lee Thornberg (trumpets and trombone) as well as guests Eric Unsworth (fretless bass) and Leilani Rivera (Low-Hawaiian Chant) on “It’s A Honu World”. This is music which swings, it rocks, it moves from jazz into fusion and funk and back out the other side, reminiscent at times of early Chicago. Some numbers seem to hardly feature the guitar at all as it is all about the horns and drums, while in others it is all about Mora providing some blistering licks. All nine songs are originals, and when he allows himself the opportunity Mora displays a superb skill and understanding of the music, never trying to force too many notes into the bar while also showing he can be as fast as anyone. This album truly is a delight, and well worth investigating by anyone into jazz rock fusion.