“A salute to improv. Sheet music be damned. Simultaneously a blueprint-nightmare for the non-spontaneous, and, a how-to manual for those who wish to learn how to be musically in the moment at all times.” “…an improvisational work of art…”
As you can clearly see from the words above, we enjoyed Pork Pie Hat’s previous album, Giotto Groove, very much. Now, Thomas Wolff (guitars), Markus Hawig (keys), and Dieter Kowalczik (drums), have returned to make North-Rhine Westfalia proud once more with their latest live-studio album, the funked-out, licked-up, fusion fantastic (and aptly titled), Goin’ Wild.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
Opening with, Living Down The Street, the vibe is an ultra-chill fusion of jazzy organ, and wah-wah’d rock guitar. When you hear this groove as you stroll along the sidewalk, you stop, pay the cover fee, and go inside, no questions.
Totally dig the short, abstract wave of ambient keys & guitar pressed against the agitato (agitated) drums in, Reset #1 (Interlude Agitato), a gorgeously odd bit of contrast.
A Herbie Hancock cover, the funked-out piece of wah-rock in, Chameleon, belongs on the sound-score of Hollywood’s next iteration of Shaft. Tell me I’m wrong.
OUR FAVORITE TRACK… Oh my god. Stop what your’re doing. Yes! I said stop! Stop reading this review and skip down below to the playlist to listen to, Funk Tank. Just wait for that lick which drops at the 1:24 mark. Another sick jazz-rock fusion track!
Blues fans that we are here at The Ark of Music, it is especially pleasing to hear these fusion masters’ iteration of the genre in , All Blues. It’s smokey, soulful and fun.
Ending the album is, Moodswings, a mantle-piece track which showcases this talented trio’s ability to—live and in real time—completely change the mood, tempo and theme—but never lose their sync, never get lost, never drop the ball. Returning back to a grimy bass-line over and over, the addition of a bit of dirty sax takes us home.
IN CONCLUSION…
Completely musically satiating. Absolutely their best work to date. A fusion-lover’s dream. A wanna-be fusion player’s handbook. Pork Pie Hat’s latest live studio album, Goin’ Wild, is an absolute joy to take in. Deliciously heavy on the wah-wah, crisp in rhythm, and always smooth and ambient on the keys & synth, the musical connection shared by these three masters is a total treat to behold. Other than BEGGING them to perform live, there’s little more my words can do to further their cause. Fusion-lovers: You simply must check out Goin’ Wild below.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Arjun meets The Grateful Dead…
BELOW: Listen to music from Pork Pie Hat’s album, Goin’ Wild, check out our interview, and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support Pork Pie Hat by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
Follow, stream, download & connect with PORK PIE HAT online:
Check out our interview with PORK PIE HAT:
INTERVIEW: PORK PIE HAT (Click HERE)