No Agenda
Rhombus Rho, 2019
8/10
Guitarist extraordinaire Bernie Mora brings his skills to the Tangent ensemble on this fusion record where funk, jazz and rock all collide in unpredictable ways.
“Mon Cheri” starts the listen with a busy display of bluesy guitar acrobatics as horns highlight the setting, and “Commando Roll” follows with intricate saxophones in the vibrant, funk filled atmosphere.
Elsewhere, the title track finds a commanding place to reside amid fluid guitar rock and crisp percussion, while “Take Me Away (Reprise)” travels calmer waters with an elegant jazz backdrop as Corey Alley’s keys steal the show.
Deeper cuts bring us the guitar shredding of “Cup A Joe”, and “it’s A Honu World” exits the listen with Hawaiian chanting from Leilani Rivera Low and fretless bass from “Eric Unsworth on the eclectic and fun conclusion.
A fusion record in the truest sense of the word, it’s best not to try to categorize Mora and company, but to just enjoy the spirited, carefully crafted variety that is No Agenda.
Travels well with: Jared Gold- Reemergence; Chris Pasin- Ornettiquette