On The Upside
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Dewayne Pate stays quite busy as a sideman playing bass. So busy, in fact, that it’s taken him 14 years to lay down this 2nd album as leader, but he’s made it worth the wait with these 9 tracks- 5 of which are originals- and he’s got a large cast of players along for the ride.
“4 The 5 Of It” starts the listen with Frank Martin’s warm synth and Norbert Stachel’s soulful sax complementing Pate’s agile bass playing in the cozy climate, and “Iceman” follows with plenty of funk flavor thanks to Chris Cain’s spirited guitar and David Kirk Mathew’s playful organ fills that welcome Tony Lindsay’s smooth pipes.
“Oliver’s Twist” lands in the middle and is populated by Stachel’s lively sax and Mathews’ key acrobatics, as well as Pate’s adaptable bass solo, while “Imperial Strut” showcases Stachel’s dreamy flute amid Robben Ford’s meticulous guitar playing for the album’s best that touches on Latin ideas.
Arriving at the end, “On The Upside” highlights Dennis Chambers’ intricate drumming and Barry Finnerty’s stunning guitar playing, and “People Get Ready” exits with Karl Perrazo’s strong attention to percussive mood and Amikaeyla Gaston’s gorgeous singing for the intimate finish.
Let’s hope it isn’t another 10+ years before Pate decides to step to the front of the stage, cause his fusion vision and rich, worldly approach is much appreciated.
Travels well with: Mark Ortwein- It Was Time; Eric Goletz- Standard-ized!