Vintage Guitar - February 2018 - 96
Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real Lu k a s Ne l s on and his band have been around for several years, but they have really hit their stride with their latest release. Nelson is Willie's son and played with dad plenty, but here he proves his own talents should not be taken lightly. He wrote the songs, plays the guitars, and is the band's lead singer. He excels in all three fields. His soloing is often melodic while maintaining a rock and blues feel ("Set Me Down On A Cloud"). And he's never short on imagination: the solo that he plays as "Find Yourself " winds down is a fun ride with lots of surprises and plenty of soul. His acoustic playing is front and center on "Just Outside Of Austin" with its descending chord line and a guest solo from his dad. Nelson also displays a distinctive singing voice. Best of all, it seems to convey his lyrics perfectly, like on the clever tale of lost love, "Forget About Georgia." The wordplay, like on many of the songs here, is adroit and his guitar playing on the cut is the perfect complement. Good bands adept at many styles of music are hard to find these days, but Nelson and POTR hit the nail right on the head. - John Heidt Deep Purple A Fire in the Sky There have been innumerable Deep Pur ple compi lations, but this clever set includes at least one track from every Purp album. Three guitar legends are spotlighted - Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Morse, and Tommy Bolin, as well as bassists Roger Glover and Glenn Hughes - which makes for a more holistic view of the band's 50-year history. For once, everyone gets their due. The 40-song set kicks off, surprisingly, with the Morse barnburners "Hell To Pay" and "Vincent Price," illustrating his two decades in the band. While old Blackmore fans may grouse, it's hard to argue with Steve's monster riffing on "Ted The Mechanic." Many will also appreciate BOOTZILLA B ootsy Collins' first album in six years continues the tradition of 2011's Tha Funk Capital Of The World by enlisting special guests to extend his funkalicious reach. Proselytizing the holy gospel of uncut funk, Bootsy's brethren include Buckethead, Victor Wooten, Dennis Chambers, Stanley Clarke, Eric Gales, and the late Bernie Worrell. And because the funk is ubiquitous, Bootzilla shines a light on the hip-hop community, giving voice to blue-chip rappers Snoop Dogg, Chuck D, Doug E. Fresh, and Big Daddy Kane. Still, this is no piece of disposable marketing product. It's an infectious party record with Bootsy's signature "heavy on the one" bass style working as the basis for dance grooves, spoken word, titillation, humor, and blazing guitar solos. VINTAGE GUITAR 96 Bootsy's Mu-Tronsoaked bass, Crucial Audio Dub-1 direct box, secret sauce, and groove, are in full abundance, along with his signature Bootsy Collins World Wide Funk spoken asides. But the true essence here lies just beneath the surface of all the tasteful production and large cast of characters. The album is a call to activism, unity, and love. It's a reminder to people to stand up and funk for yourselves. February 2018 The title track sets the mood and fires up this party. Sounding like you're on stage with 35 people at a New Year's Eve event, Bootsy funks heavily along with the spitting rhymes of Doug E. Fresh and bass newcomer Alissia Benveniste. While all this is going on, Buckethead shreds on guitar unapologetically like it's his last day on earth. "Bass-Rigged-System" features a bevy of bassists including Benveniste, Manou Gallo, Stanley Clarke, and an octave-pedal bass solo by Wooten. Other highlights include "Come Back Bootsy" starring drummer Dennis Chambers and Gales-style blues-rock guitar, while "Pusherman" features Dru Down, BlvckSeeds, and Mr. Talkbox, with ensemble spoken-word, hooky choruses, and hypnotic southern beats. It wouldn't Bootsy record without something best heard after you dim the lights. "High-OnHeels" features singer October London while "Worth My While" stars Kali Uchis offering spells and incantations set to music that should be on the playlist of every ladies man. "Salute To Bernie" featuring Dr. G. honors the memory of ParliamentFunkadelic keyboardist Worrell on top of Jimi's "Bold As Love." World Wide Funk is varied enough for the casual funk fan but offers a good time for all. Bootsy's artistry thrives on a personal connection to humanity. He leaves the bass clinics to the other guys. - Oscar Jordan B. Collins courtesy Mascot Records. HIT LIST REVIEWS