LIGRO — Dictionary 2 (review)

LIGRO — Dictionary 2 album cover Album · 2012 · Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
js
Those who lament the passing of the early days of jazz-rock fusion, when bands were much more energetic and intense, should find reason to rejoice in the music of Ligro and their new album “Dictionary 2”. This threesome is one of the most intensely shredding jazz-rock trios to hit the scene in a long time and, despite their ties to jazz-rock’s past, they are not the least bit nostalgic. Ligro’s music is modern and full of the sort of eclectic influences and rapid change-ups that are all part of the post-70s scene. Although this band is very aggressive and energetic, with a strong distorted lead guitar sound, they never give into predictable plodding rock riffage, instead, the fleet and nimble rhythm section of Adi Darmawan on bass and Gusti Hendy on drums keeps things jazzy fresh and very syncopated, swingin and funky.

A lot of artists may come to mind as you listen to Ligro go after it; Tony Williams’ early Lifetime with John McLaughlin as well as Tony’s later version with Alan Holdsworth, some of Hendrix’s more out there moments with Mitch Mitchell, Robert Fripp’s mid 70s jams with Bill Bruford and Vernon Reid’s recent Harmony Row band. Sometimes guitarist Agam Hamzah’s over the top solos may remind some of Pete Cosey, he also sites Buckethead, David Fiuczynski and Terje Rypdal as influences. Although Ligro can improv with the best of them, they are hardly a typical “jam band”. Rather than a play a quick tune and head straight for the solo, Ligro’s songs often involve complex structures and many unexpected change-ups that frame the improv sections in ways in which its hard to tell the structured parts from the improv parts. All three members of Ligro are masters of the rapid unison passage that recalls McLaughlin led bands like Shakti and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Although Hamzah’s lead guitar may be the star of the show, Darmawan’s quick and never heavy-handed bass work may remind some of similar understated virtuosos like Ralph Armstrong and Alphonso Johnson. This one is highly recommended for those looking for high quality modern jazz rock, these guys are a cut above the rest.

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
No shouts posted yet. Be the first member to do so above!

JMA TOP 5 Jazz ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
A Love Supreme Post Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
Kind of Blue Cool Jazz
MILES DAVIS
Buy this album from our partners
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady Progressive Big Band
CHARLES MINGUS
Buy this album from our partners
Blue Train Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
My Favorite Things Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners

New Jazz Artists

New Jazz Releases

Fellow Creatures : We Must Fight 21st Century Modern
JASPER HØIBY
Buy this album from MMA partners
Lost Session, Paris 1979 Avant-Garde Jazz
DAVE BURRELL
Buy this album from MMA partners
Rivbea Live! Series Volume 3 Recorded 1974 Avant-Garde Jazz
JIMMY LYONS
Buy this album from MMA partners
Live at PS1 Avant-Garde Jazz
TRIO VOLTAÏCITY (AYUMI ISHITO - YUKO TOGAMI - STAN ZENKOV)
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Jazz Online Videos

Yene Felagote
UKANDANZ
snobb· 3 days ago
More videos

New JMA Jazz Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Jazz News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us