Chameleon (Concord Records, 2014)
Chameleon is the fabulous new album by extraordinary jazz drummer Harvey Mason. The album begins with a piece titled Black Frost characterized by the saxophone of Kamasi Washington. The next piece, ‘Montara,’ has the perfect groove, with exquisite keyboard, guitar and bass lines. However, it is the drums that really stand out. Mason truly performs a master class, demonstrating how he can easily carry an instrumental piece with creative subtle drum variations using all the components of the drum kit. It’s an exquisite exercise in some of the finest drumming you’ll hear coming out of the current jazz field. Mason also plays fascinating vibraphone on this piece, intertwined with Matthew Stevens’ dazzling guitar work and Mark de Clive-Lowe’s superior Fender Rhodes electric piano.
‘If I Ever Lose This Heaven’ is a vocal track featuring Chris Turner. This soul song will appeal to smooth jazz radio and R&B stations.
‘Looking Back’ consists of a short drum, bass and keyboard funk track with remarkable electric piano and synth work that evokes the work of the great George Duke.
The laid back ‘Before The Dawn’ features evocative brass (trumpet, trombone) and fine keyboard work, with maestro Mason doing his magic in the background.
Harvey Mason shows his dexterity in ‘Studio Life (Hold It One Second)’ with a short drum solo.
The second vocal track is ‘Places and Spaces,’ featuring Christian Scott and Corey Ck King. Here, the vocals are much more interesting, in solid jazz territory, backed by an irresistible rhythm section and a notable trumpet solo.
‘Either Way’ allows the musicians to showcase their admirable improvisatory skills with a series of Fender Rhodes, bass, and electric guitar solos. Meanwhile, Harvey Mason keeps charming the listener with his masterful grooves.
Mase’s Theme is classic jazz funk, with Stevie wonder-style synths bass lines.
The album ends with the title track ‘Chameleon,’ from Herbie Hancock’s 1973 groundbreaking LP Head Hunters, where the saxophone takes the lead again.
The lineup on the album includes trumpeter Christian Scott, bassist Ben Williams, pianist and keyboardist Kris Bowers, guitarist Matthew Stevens, trombonist/vocalist Corey “CK” King, saxophonist Kamasi Washington, vocalist Chris Turner, keyboardist/electronica producer Mark de Clive-Lowe; bassist Jimmy Haslip; percussionist Bill Summers; and bassist Paul Jackson. Summers and Jackson worked with Mason on the Head Hunters album.
Chameleon is a real treat for jazz funk lovers plus you also get an impressive display of world class drumming by one of the current masters in the international scene.
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