Mustard n’ Onions
Mack Avenue, 2024
8/10
The groove wizards Ghost-Note, which is led by the drummer/keyboardist Robert Sput Searight and percussionist Nate Werth, return with a 3rd album, where plenty of energetic and diverse songs bring in many guests and strings.
“JB’s Out! (Do It Babay)” opens the listen with loads of funk spirit, where Mackenzie’s soulful pipes are complemented by Kyla Mascovich’s bright trumpet, and “Move With A Purpose” follows with Karl Denson’s dreamy flute making for a melodic and inviting climate.
Further along, “PoundCake” showcases Benjamin Casey’s animated alto sax prowess amid Xavier Lynn’s flowing guitar, while “Yellow Dan” allows Marcus Miller’s bass acrobatics to shine, though the agile drumming from Searight won’t go unnoticed, either.
Deeper still, “Slim Goodie” isn’t lacking any rhythm, where Dominique Xavier Taplin’s meticulous keys suit the rich album highlight, and “Nard’s Right” exits with a festive flavor, as Bernard Wright’s key acrobatics run parallel with the dynamic instrumentation.
Werth and Searight have already picked up a Grammy for their work in Snarky Puppy, and that quality of song craft is present in these varied and timeless tunes that touch on fusion in ways that will get your body and spirits in motion.
Travels well with: Lettuce- Crush; Polyrhythmics- Fondue Party