Various Artists (Fusion Related)

Various Artists - New Universe Music Festival 2010: Abstract Logix Live! - 2011 - Abstract Logix

It was a veritable smorgasbord of fusion, with many of the top-notch artists in the genre coming together for a series of performances. Jazz-rock fans attending the inaugural event heard legends like John McLaughlin and Lenny White, established names such as Wayne Krantz, Human Element and Jimmy Herring, as well as up-and-comers like Alex Machacek and Ranjit Barot. From start to finish, the music was electric, even when it was being played acoustically. There was also a palpable sense of community as artists generously participated in listening sessions and sat in with each other throughout the event. I highly recommend this festival and look forward to seeing and hearing its second incarnation in 2012. - Lee Mergner, JazzTimes

The New Universe Music Festival brought together an astonishing roster of legendary and upcoming jazz-fusion musicians - especially guitarists - in an intimate setting charged with excitement. As might be expected, the music was superb, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to fusion and world music pioneer John McLaughlin. I look forward to attending the next NUMF, though the first one will be very tough to top. - Barry Cleveland, Guitar Player

Recorded live on November 20th & 21st, 2010 at The New Universe Music Festival, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA by an incredible line-up that includes guitarist Alex Machacek’s trio with drummer Jeff Sipe and bassist Neal Fountain. Ranjit Barot’s group features the young and dynamic electric violinist Bala Bhaskar. The new super group, Human Element features keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Matthew Garrison, and percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan, with Ranjit Barot standing in for absent drummer Gary Novak. Guitar legend Jimmy Herring’s Band play here as do the insanely brilliant guitarist Wayne Krantz with his trio. Jimmy Herring also guests with the fabulously talented Lenny White’s Band. What can you say about legendary fusion guitarist John McLaughlin with his The 4th Dimension band. This double cd album includes many titans of jazz fusion who play truly great high octane, high energy electric jazz. Before the first evening at the Lincoln Theatre, Jimmy Herring said, this is "real music played by real people”. Real music is hard to find these days. The album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Watch out for the forthcoming release of The Aristocrats new “Culture Clash”album which features one of the planet’s most technically gifted guitarists, Mr. Guthrie Govan. If you haven’t heard this guy, check him out on YouTube. This guy must have been created on the 8th day! [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: 2 x rar files: Pt 1 (Disc 1) = 179 Mb, and Pt 2 (Disc 2) = 127 Mb]

SONGS / ARTISTS / COMPOSERS

DISC ONE

1. Strafe - Alex Machacek, Jeff Sipe, Neal Fountain - Alex Machacek 8:09
2. Very Sad - Alex Machacek, Jeff Sipe, Neal Fountain - Alex Machacek 9:09
3. Vignesh Kirtanam - Ranjit Barot, Bala Bhaskar, Scott Kinsey, Matthew Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Wayne Krantz - Ranjit Barot 9:54
4. Origin - Ranjit Barot, Bala Bhaskar, Scott Kinsey, Matthew Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Wayne Krantz - Ranjit Barot 7:38
5. Essaouira - Scott Kinsey, Matthew Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Ranjit Barot - Scott Kinsey 9:04
6. Sometimes I ... - Scott Kinsey, Matthew Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Ranjit Barot - Steve Tavaglione 7:27
7. Rainbow - Jimmy Herring, Neal Foutain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - Jeff Sipe & Oliver Wells 7:55
8. Gray Day - Jimmy Herring, Neal Foutain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - Jimmy Herring 7:32
9. Within You, Without You - Jimmy Herring, Neal Foutain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - George Harrison 8:42

DISC TWO

1. Why - Wayne Krantz, Anthony Jackson, Cliff Almond - Wayne Krantz 9:20
2. Door #3 - Lenny White, Jimmy Herring, Tom Guarna, Richie Goods, Vince Evans - Lenny White & Jane Getter 10:31
3. Gazelle - Lenny White, Jimmy Herring, Tom Guarna, Richie Goods, Vince Evans - Joe Henderson 9:09
4. Recovery - John McLaughlin, Etienne M'Bappe, Gary Husband, Mark Mondesir, Zakir Hussain - John McLaughlin 4:47
5. Mother Tongues - John McLaughlin, Etienne M'Bappe, Gary Husband, Mark Mondesir, Zakir Hussain - John McLaughlin 21:44

MUSICIANS

Wayne Krantz, John McLaughlin, Jimmy Herring, Alex Machacek, Tom Guarna - Guitar
Neal Fountain, Matthew Garrison, Anthony Jackson, Richie Goods, Etienne M'Bappe - Bass
Scott Kinsey, Matt Slocum, Vince Evans - Keyboards
Gary Husband - Keyboards, Drums
Lenny White, Jeff Sipe, Cliff Almond, Mark Mondesir - Drums
Ranjit Barot - Drums, Voice
Arto Tuncboyaciyan - Percussion, Voice
Bala Bhaskar - Violin
Zakir Hussain - Tabla