I was received this really interesting instrumental CD from electric violinist James Sudakow, titled Green. James primarily plays his violin through a Marshall amp to get a distorted effect. He’s joined by David Gaziel (drums), Matt Bissonette (bass), and Eric Zimmermann (producer and programming). The music is comprised of six instrumentals, all named after colors, including the title track, each having a distinctive sound.
The opening track, "Black" is a wild fusion treat, "Purple" has a spacey sound added to the fusiony vibe which kind of reminds me of Mahavishnu meets Tangerine Dream. While "Orange" is a more progressive rock sounding. number, the title track, Green, has a classical feel to it combined again with a Mahavishnu influence. Seems that James is a big fan of Mahavishnu, so much that I believe John McLaughlin would be amazed by James‘ playing.
"Red" is in my opinion the center point of the CD, which being the most complex and heavy of all the songs. The music is somewhere between Mahavishnu Orchestra, KBB, and King Crimson. The closer, "Blue" is a spacey fusion with some funky bass playing.
After listening thoroughly to Green, I feel James Sudakow SHOULD be a name on every progressive rock and fusion fan's mind when they think of electric violin. In closing this has been one of the best instrumental CDs I’ve heard in 2006 and I recommend that fans new and old of fusion music, should get their hands on this impressive CD ASAP!
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on February 17th, 2007
