Bad Dog U

Bad Dog U - Bad Dog U - 2004 - Blu Jazz

"Ernie Denov brings real jazz chops to his more visable rock work; on the other hand, he uses the pulsar energy of rock to light up his jazz gigs (including his frequent appearances with the popular pan-latin band, Chevere). Denov plays with a tough, beveled tone and can bend a note with the best of them; at times he brings to mind those classic albums of instrumental rock recorded by Jeff Beck in the mid 70s (no small praise)." - Neil Tesser; jazz critic for Playboy Magazine

BAD DOG U is an electric instrumental quartet that plays a unique hybrid of progressive rock and jazz fusion with an uncharacteristically high regard for melodic content. Although the music covers a wide range of thought and emotion, the overall message conveyed is one of optimism. Seamlessly shifting from tightly arranged ensemble work to interactive improvisation, each composition tells a story laced with dramatic plot twists, conflict and resolution, and a touch of irony. BAD DOG U has been a cult favorite of the Chicago area for over fifteen years, and this is their long awaited debut recording. Guitarist Ernie Denov, BAD DOG U's founding father has been active in the Chicago music scene for over two decades. He has recorded or performed live with Richard Marx, Liquid Soul, Airto Moreira, Dave Valentin, Paul Wertico, Howard Levy, Victor Bailey, Darryl Jones, Sheila Jordan, Ira Sullivan, Von Freeman, Terry Callier, Kimo Williams, Gary Sinese's Lt. Dan Band and dozens of other bands and artists that you will never hear about. - from Album Notes © http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/baddogu

Bad Dog U is a jazz-fusion/progressive rock band fronted by guitarist Ernie Denov, who have been toiling around the Chicago music scene for nearly two decades, finally releasing their self-titled debut in 2004. the CD is a very classy and professional sounding recording that will easily appeal to fans of fusion groups such as Chick Corea's Return to Forever & The Elektric Band, Dixie Dregs, Tribal Tech, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jeff Beck, Helmet of Gnats, and even some of the Japenese fusion bands such as Kenso and Side Steps. Featuring Denov's tasty guitar work and the nimble keyboard playing of Rick Snyder, the band is cemented by the rock solid grooves of drummer Rick Vitek and bassist Dave Farley. Together, Bad Dog U have created a formidable debut that has much to recommend. Most of the songs here are fairly long and very melodic, with lots of room for improvisation yet always remaining within the framework of the song. Take "Prodigal" for instance, a sophisticated jazz piece highlighted by extensive solo forays by Snyder's synth and Denov's Larry Carlton-inspired guitar. There's majestic pieces like "Olderwisersadder" (Denov gets some searing Jeff Beck sounding leads in on this one), funky burners as on "Recess", flat out aggressive fusion romps like "Skyscrapers", and proggier styles as heard on "It Wasn't Easy" or "Fancy Mixed Nuts". Regardless of the tune, there is always an undercurrent of jazz going on here, and never is a song reliant on chops. Melody, melody, and more melody is the key here folks. So, if you dig stylish modern-day fusion with a proggy edge, then you can't go wrong with this debut from Bad Dog U. Follow the link below for purchasing information. You'll be glad you did! Added: February 26th 2005 Reviewer Pete Pardo & © Pete Pardo Score: **** © 2004 Sea Of Tranquility http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=2113

Bad Dog U is a popular Chicago based instrumental jazz rock/fusion band formed around 1986. The band plays progressive rock/jazz fusion with good melodic content and their influences include King Crimson, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Tribal Tech, Chick Corea, Genesis, Yes, The Dregs, Bill Bruford, Allan Holdsworth and Jeff Beck. The band have opened for several top bands including The Steve Morse Band. This self titled album is really good, challenging, and inventive jazz fusion with some terrific guitar work from Ernie Denov. Watch out for more releases for this band, and support real music [All tracks @ 224 Kbps: File size = 101 Mb]

TRACKS

1 It (Wasn't Easy) 5:28
2 Prodigal 7:39
3 Olderwisersadder 7:25
4 A Cure for Schizophrenia 7:00
5 Recess 8:29
6 Romance 8:16
7 Skyscrapers 4:02
8 Fancy Mixed Nuts 9:06
9 The Wandering Truth 5:10

Tracks 1,3,4,7,8,9 composed by Ernie Denov: Tracks 2,5,6 composed by Rick Snyder

BAND

Ernie Denov - Guitars
Dave Farley - Bass Guitar
Rick Snyder - Keyboards
Rick Vitek - Drums