Turning Point - "Matador" Review

Artist/ Band: Turning Point
Title: Matador
Label: Native Language
Year of Release: 2005
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

From fusion-funk to flamenco, Turning Point has all the bases covered especially on their recently released album, Matador. It’s chock full of some of the funkiest jazz fusion with eleven tracks, nine of which are originals. Turning Point is brothers Demitri (bass) and Thano (guitar) Sahnas as well as Steve Culp on keys and John Herrera on drums/percussion, plus, a featured saxophonist Domenic Amato.

Okay I will admit that this is a genre I’ve barely tread but it’s really grown on me over the years. I’ve sought out classic jazz-fusion bands to help me out with comparisons etc. So if I seem like a kid in a candy store when explaining things, you’ll know why. I’m not familiar with the cover tunes but will list them for those that are. First one is the Latin Grammy-winning "Quisiera Ser" from South American superstar Alejandro Sanz. The second is Chick Corea’s "Spain," which features Charlie Bisharat on violin.

Turning Point has been recording for the past decade and released several studio albums as well as a double live release, so I have a lot of catching up to do. On Matador the band creates such quality instrumental music that always keeps my attention. This is recommended for fans of classic jazz-fusion. I do believe that Turning Point’s output on Matador has the makings of being deemed a “modern classic”, in my humble opinion.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on September 20th, 2005

Tracks:

1. Lickety-split

2. Spain

3. Gospel Brunch

4. Turn Down The Night

5. Quisiera Ser

6. Matador

7. Despues De Mañana

8. Rhapsody For Priapus

9. Suburban Safari

10. Soldier's Lullaby

11. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow