Hurricane Mouse
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A guitarist known for his innovative and varied execution, Justin Rothberg aligns himself with Todd Groves (woodwinds), Jon Price (bass), Hiroyuki Matsuura (drums) and Andy O’neill (percussion) here, where the quintet inject funk, rock and world music into their atypical jazz template.
The title track starts the listen percussively strong as bright brass flows alongside Rothberg’s warm guitar lines in the soulful, jazz inspired setting, and “Justin Rothberg- Tom G” follows with flowing interplay between guitar, drums and woodwinds where there’s no shortage of rhythm.
Moving along, “Bad Apple” has an almost reggae feel in its laid back, island groove, while “Green Room” offers plenty of dynamic musicianship in its busy and fusion friendly display. “The Layoff Song”, one of the album’s best, then pairs jazz and funk with exciting, memorable results as Groves pulls of tenor sax acrobatics.
Near the end, “Piece Of Mind” recruits a dreamy feel with experimental ideas that lead into a textured, smooth jazz approach, and “Old Gift Card” exits with bouncy bass lines amid plenty of rock’n’roll spirit in the varied and exciting finish.
This is Rothberg and company’s 3rd release, and like everything they’ve done, it’s not easy to classify but surely easy to appreciate, as they weave in and out of funk, blues and many other genres with no lack of solos and atmosphere in an impressive performance.
Travels well with: Damia Timoner- Jerry’s Smilin’; Funk Shui NYC- Shark NATO On A Plane