Hey everyone. I know I don't post much, but that doesn't mean I'm not always listening.
Anyway... today is new release Tuesday and in case you haven't been to the megastore, independent music dealer or iTunes yet, the new John Mayer disk is out.
Pino Palladino is large and in charge on the bass once again. Great lines, great sounds. What else would you expect? There is some serious p-bass character on the disk, and given a good headphone listening, you can really pick out that vintage sound within the production. It's really outstanding, tasteful playing. But who am I telling??!! We all knew that would be the case.
All in all, the new disk is real good. IMHO, it's Mayer's best work. Lots of folks are willing to malign him as a pop-star gone blues wannabe. I realize not everything is for everybody, but that's kind of an unfair assessment, if you ask me. That said, I definitely recommend this disk for fans, non-fans and the heretofore undecided in regards to Mayer.
Personally, I didn't dig his first two major label records too much. Although, having seen him live a few times, I always felt he was a better musician and music lover (and lover of the blues and r&b traditions) than his pop music let on. This disk really is something!
Of course, Steve Jordan is on drums and production. Willie Weeks pops in on a track (yes, apparently two bassists at once). Roy Hargrove plays some horns. Even Charlie Hunter gets into the act, playing 8-string guitar on the ONE track that doesn't feature Pino on bass.
Enjoy!
GAS note: this is the kind of recording that makes you want to shell out the dough for the Pino Custom Shop p-bass, in the hopes that even a HINT of that rich, vintage tone and Pino style will rub off on your fingers! Buying an artist model makes you play more like your heroes right?
