Short Reviews [Lone Empty Bed - 2006 - "Lone Empty Bed"]

Next in turn are a Japanese ensemble LONE EMPTY BED and their debut CD of the same name. The group is a quintet of saxophonist, trombonist, guitarist, bassist and drummer, though on the last two of the disc's six tracks is also featured a guest keyboard player. Only the first three pieces are recorded stereo, all being the creations of swingy Jazz-Rock, with the brass players dominating at the fore, now playing brief, yet impressive riffs, now providing just exciting improvisations. The fourth cut seems to be even more eclectic, but while the guitarist, who most often plays a primary role here, shows himself as both a resourceful and technically skilled musician, the overall picture appears to be rather blurry, due to errors that either the band or their engineer seem to have committed when recording that tune. The last two tracks both blend together classic Jazz-Fusion and Avant-Jazz, and although these are recorded mono too, their progressive brilliance is just striking. Both are highly diverse in all senses, at times with all six the musicians doing joint intense jams. Musically, this is a very good album at least, but its sound quality strongly mars the general impression.

VM: June 10, 2007