Every self-respecting Canadian jazz enthusiast should have metalwood's latest on their shelf. How many jazz bands can Canada claim, after all? Clearly, not enough. But all that joking about the frozen northern land should melt under the heat of "the recline," on which metalwood takes a sophisticated approach to some appealing grooves.
Though this is the group's fourth release -- and all the members have been to jazz schools and played in diverse groups to earn plenty of musical mileage points -- their synergy is just one of those rare, flowing things. Fretless bassist Chris Tarry lays down a bass line, it's picked up by keyboardist Brad Turner, Tarry finds a deeper groove and the keyboards drift into an electric piano riff, which is then superseded by Mike Murley on sax. Then it all flows back again. The very tight drumming of Ian Froman is given rhythmic support by Mino Cinelu on percussion and DJ Logic's slick-sliding turntable work.
With the addition on several cuts of heavy-hitter John Scofield on guitar, the group lays down a complete, rounded sound that is hummable and toe-tapping, but with plenty of bite. That would be enough, but then they bump up the funk underneath and lay down irrepressible solos on top. Every player takes extended time to work out the catchy melodies and bouncy rhythms in his own way.
The group is understated at times, but this works to its advantage as metalwood blends in its favorite influences from the 1970s golden age of fusion. In "the recline," you'll find bits and pieces of the Headhunters, Weather Report and Return to Forever -- the best bits and pieces. This neo-fusion release is likely to start a whole new resurgence.
