JEFF RICHMAN — XYZ (review)

Album · 2023 · Fusion

4.5/5 · 2023-05-19
Carmel

Jeff Richman, a distinguished musician, composer, and producer, has carved a remarkable career as one of the world's foremost fusion guitarists. With an enduring influence from the late, great Jeff Beck, Richman's technical mastery and improvisational genius speak to his deep roots in rock and fusion. His impactful contributions to fusion have set him apart as an innovative trailblazer and advanced the genre, pushing its boundaries to new frontiers. A graduate of the esteemed Berklee School of Music in 1975, Richman's work in music has been steady for nearly half a century as his unique offerings continue to enrich the world of fusion.

"XYZ," Richman's latest album, is a testament to patience, innovation, and the art of collaboration. After several years since his last release, "Sizzle," Richman returns with his eighteenth record as a bandleader, serving up nine original compositions that marry his signature fusion sound with a modern-day swagger. Richman's ensemble is propelled by the talents of rhythm section powerhouses Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Haslip, alongside notable keyboardists George Whitty, Scott Kinsey, Mitchel Forman, Otmaro Ruiz, and trumpet soloist Jeff Beal. This diverse line-up of musicians provides a rich backdrop for Richman's intricate compositions. Expanding upon Richman's established sound, "XYZ" ventures into a new sonic territory, delivering a fresh take on the limitless possibilities of fusion.

The album's title track, "XYZ," overflows with Richman's distinctive guitar-playing style, where his remarkable improvisation skills are prominently displayed. The solo Richman performs is an intricate tapestry that strikes a delicate balance between the sophistication of jazz and the raw energy of rock and blues. Richman's journey through the song's diverse musical landscape is underpinned by the blues' authentic emotion and the adventurous exploration of various jazz chord voicings, scales, and modes. His choice of notes, the intricate bends, and the way he uses the whammy bar all contribute to creating a musical narrative rich in rock's energy and dynamics. The result is Richman's unexpected twists and turns rooted in Richman's innate understanding of the song's underlying chord progressions and his ability to quickly and creatively navigate through them. In addition, his improvisation enhances the composition, making the music feel spontaneous yet coherent, a testament to his fluency in the language of jazz fusion.

"Optamystical," a Richman original, showcases the fusion guitarist's exceptional creativity and originality as he explores an array of musical terrains, cleverly navigating through shifting moods and textures with the steady pulse of Colaiuta and Haslip grounding the groove. What sets Richman's guitar playing apart is his ability to maintain a clear, warm, and lyrical tone, even when manipulating his sound through various effects to match the song's evolving sections. This careful, thoughtful approach to sound design and tone shaping is a testament to Richman's originality and enhances the track's overall appeal, drawing listeners into the intricate details of its construction.

Richman's "XYZ" is a remarkable testament to his enduring musical abilities and innovation in the ever-evolving world of jazz fusion. The album exhibits Richman's command over his instrument, his profound understanding of music theory, and his innate ability to fuse diverse musical elements seamlessly. The diverse talents of the assembled musicians further enrich the album, providing a robust, nuanced canvas for Richman's compositions and improvisations. "XYZ" meets the high standards set by his previous albums, but he also pushes the boundaries of his expression with jazz fusion guitar. It's an offering that undoubtedly expands Richman's legacy, solidifying his position as a leading innovator in the genre and a must-have for all fusion lovers, especially guitarists.