On A Mission (Gudari Records, 2012)
The Avengers is a fabulous jazz-rock quartet that brings fresh ideas to the fusion scene. It’s a supergroup that features outstanding musicians with roots in jazz, Latin music and rock. On A Mission is the group’s sensational debut album. Band members include Beledo on guitar; Adam Holzman on keyboards; Lincoln Goines on bass; and Kim Plainfield on drums.
Uruguayan guitarist José Pedro Beledo (better known as Beledo) is one of the finest guitarists to have come out from Latin America. He has a beautiful and masterful guitar technique that is deeply influenced by Alan Holdsworth. At times, he can make the guitar wail magnificently.
Keyboardist Adam Holzman is a master of electronic keyboards, including synthesizers and electric piano. He carries out captivating solos and syncs perfectly with Beledo’s guitar. Also impressive are the truly delightful call and response interactions between Holzman’s keyboards and Beledo’s guitars.
The rhythm section of Lincoln Goines and Kim Plainfield provide formidable support, as well as occasional solos. Although the band is deeply influenced by fusion masters such as Weather Report and Tribal Tech, The Avengers bring a world music element with influences from South America and flamenco from Spain.
There is not a bad track in this brilliant fusion album. This is the kind of stuff many modern jazz musicians should be doing instead of playing standards and sappy smooth jazz. Highly recommended.
Buy On A Mission