CD Review: Case On Bass' 'Bass Tones #1'

Case On Bass
Bass Tones #1
Self-Release

Case On Bass is an avant-garde group that utilizes an electric bass guitar with some pedal effects on their first release, Bass Tones #1, in this series. The album is completely instrumental without any vocalizations or additional instruments. There are twenty-six tracks on the album, which are all relatively short around one minute each. The reason behind the shorter tracks, stems from the creative process and philosophy of simplifying the tunes to reduce redundancy one commonly finds in other music. The experimental approach works with contemplative and relaxing tunes that inspire one's mind to probe deeper in bass-dom. "Sense Of Purpose" is a gritty, bass-line that reverberates with a Southern, blues-rock vein; only for a minute. "Tripping" is more fluid and bubbly in a polished, intergalactic way. "Noble Procession" is more of a distant bass sound with a primitive feel and avant-garde flair. "Nurture" is a sub-minute tune with a lullaby-like presence in a soft and subtle delivery characteristic of a type of fluid thumb piano, but in the end, it's only a bass. The last song, "Tone Poem," is the longest at nearly six minutes. The song contains pedal effects that reverberate the bass into bright echelons of musical bliss. The bass tones flutter with experimental beauty and a spacey ambiance. Anyone interested in avant-garde, instrumental, ambient, experimental, and bass guitar music should check out Bass Tones #1. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Okapi Guitar Band's 'Plenty'

Okapi Guitar Band
Plenty
umHUTU

Australia’s Okapi Guitar Band is a truly world music act creating music that spans numerous countries and continents with ease. The giddy guitar rhythms, vocals, lap steel, bass, pedal steel, dundun, keyboard, drumkit, congas, doumbek, cowbell, trumpet, trombone, sax, and other instruments make up the band’s unique sound. “Man In The Fluoro Vest” seems like a concoction brewed by the Cambodian/American band, Dengue Fever. The psychedelic melody and quirky lyrics is a winner. The folksy “Cut And Run” is anything but cut and dry, since its galloping tune reflects a little Afro-Caribbean and Congolese presence. Plenty is aptly-titled, because there are many reasons to love this album. Each track is different and seems to reflect a different part of the globe. The nearly one-hour-and-ten-minute length is definitely worth the money. There are tropical rhythms, Latin touches, African brilliance, and Aussie splendor that is not to be missed. This is a great album for world music or fusion fans. ~ Matthew Forss