Guitar Head
Deko, 2023
8/10
The inimitable guitarist Marcus Rezak assembles an outstanding cast for these 10 tracks that resonate festive, funk ideas.
The energetic and rhythmic “Sweet Like Mary Jane” opens the listen with Rezak’s flowing voice and guitar acrobatics alongside Adrian Tramontano’s dense drumming, and “Funk It Right” follows with Chris Deangelis’ playful bass lines and Eric Lawrence’s lively horns diving straight into funk territory.
Further into the listen, “Get It Underway” benefits from Rezak’s meticulous guitar amid Ray Paczkowski’s well timed organ bouts, while “Going The Distance” enters calmer areas of soulful song craft that’s emotive and rich.
Approaching the end, the thick rock’n’roll fun of “Grammys Caddy” touches on the blues in its swirling power, and “Funky Bitch” exits with vivid keys, animated brass and the dynamic rhythm section complementing Rezak’s distinct guitar and spirited voice.
An album with plenty of anthemic qualities, the musicians surrounding Rezak come from the Trey Anastasio Band, Little Feat and Twiddle, plus others, and the massive skill present certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.
Travels well with: Andy Frasco & The U.N.- Change Of Pace; ALO- Sounds Like This