Album Review
The growth shown by Indofunk from their debut to The Basement Sessions is exponential. Indofunk was a fine album in its own right, but The Basement Sessions demonstrate that the band was really beginning to understand what the Indofunk concept was all about. As opposed to the short, composed tunes that comprise Indofunk, The Basement Sessions consists of long improvised tunes that also up the Indian quotient substantially. The band is basically the same, with the addition of a judiciously used vocalist and a sarod/violin player, but it seems now that the players have a much deeper understanding of each other and the musical concept, allowing the tunes to grow and develop in a very organic way. As soloists, the players are given much more freedom thanks to the openness of the spontaneous arrangements, and everyone takes full advantage. Guest Stephen James really adds a lot to the mix with his sarod and violin playing. His sarod playing is quite unorthodox, but in this context it works perfectly and adds a great touch. Guitarist Lee Boice, Walter Fishbacher on keys, and trumpeter Satish really make the most of their solo space, and the rhythm section cooks throughout. If you're interested in modern electric fusion with an exotic flavor, check out The Basement Sessions. You won't be disappointed.
