STYLE: Jazz RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 12816-2315 LABEL: Meek MR4018 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
I was a huge fan of the Christian jazz fusion group Koinonia who recorded a few fine albums in the early '80s and I also used to love the brilliant West Coast jazz funksters Seawind. So now I think I've found an outfit that seem to combine elements of both groups to create some amazing gospel jazz! Jazz fans rejoice and check out the Chicago-based band Masque! '811 Infinity' is packed with excellent music spread over two discs that just bursts with vitality. The first disc is a live set and there is plenty here that needs to be celebrated. For me the set gets off to a brilliant start with "Take Over" which features the amazing lead bass guitar playing of Timothy Fullerton which comes over like a cross between Stanley Clarke and Abraham Laboriel. It's stunning. He's another of the lead players on another favourite, "My Gift To You" where he spars with percussionist Tony Carpenter to fine effect. The breadth of music here is inspiring whether it's introducing elements of ska on "The Right Connection" or gospel on "Jesus". Vocalist Eva Fullerton adds her talents to the title track and it all closes with the disco-tinged jazz of "Thank You". There's a second disc of studio recordings which includes the Latin-flavoured "Soul Fiesta" and a dance floor filling "I'm Sorry". The majority of the songwriting is by keyboardist Clifford Johnson whose creativity and instrumental skill fills every track. This is a brilliant set.
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