Short Reviews [Marbin - 2014 - "The Third Set"]

Formed in 2007 by Israeli American guitarist Dani Rabin and Israeli saxophonist Danny Markovitch, (the bandname being taken from 3 letters of one surname, and 3 of the other) this 2014 album was actually their fourth release, and was their first official live recording. Although it has always been based around Dani and Danny, Marbin do seem to go through rhythm sections and this one was recorded with drummer Justyn Lawrence and bassist Jae Gentile, who also appeared on the previous studio album, ‘Last Chapter of Dreaming’, but would not appear on the next studio album, 2015’s ‘Aggressive Hippes’. At the time of this recording the band had played more than 1000 gigs in just over three years, so it is no wonder that they are incredibly tight. The rhythm section provides the backdrop and foundation for the two lead players, who may combine in complex duets such as on “Culture”, then at others they just provide support while the other goes off on a wild ride. There are times when the sax and combine together in a way which is very reminiscent of Allan Holdsworth, someone who they opened for previously, but for the most part these guys are way more aggressive than any other fusion band I can think of. It is fusion with a heavy edge, with Dani driving it hard and even when he is supporting Danny, he rarely sits back but makes sure the music is always in your face. There are times when the quartet drops into trio mode, but it never for too long yet allows for the dynamics to change and take on new meaning. The result is a live album by a band right on the top of their game, providing exciting and vibrant manner which only comes about when guys basically live on the road. Now if only they would come down to Aotearoa.