The Haas Company Vol. 4 – Thirteen, Featuring Jerry Goodman (2025)
Thirteen by the Haas Company is yet another fusion-jazz rock masterwork set that highlights tight ensemble playing and spectacular soloing, as usual, particularly from groundbreaking violinist Jerry Goodman. The album contains a fiery mix of complex, inventive rhythms, melodic hooks, and memorable improvisational excellence across a range of masterfully crafted tracks.
“Incident at the Country Club” opens with a strong rock foundation, superb melodic exchange of violin, keyboards and bass phrases, and a memorable violin solo. Meanwhile, “Five Seven Loop,” features inventive bass lines, subtle drumming from Haas and exquisite keyboard work, building momentum when Goodman takes the lead. A dazzling exchange between Goodman and keyboardist Pete Drungle, two fusion giants, propels the piece into high gear.
“Back Door Party” centers on a propulsive funk rhythm section, with synthesizer and violin melodies enhancing the mix. Goodman’s electric violin solo stands out for its gritty, vigorous, and enthralling tone.
The title track, “Thirteen,” begins with a mesmerizing, spacey intro with soaring violin before evolving into a powerful progressive rocker. Goodman delivers outstanding solos as the full band, guitar, keyboards, bass, and violin, takes turns in the spotlight.
“This Thing Ain’t Gonna Suck Itself” continues the momentum with a funk jazz foundation, high energy bass lines, and a playful, compelling tradeoff between guitar and violin. Later, the engaging crystalline Rhodes electric piano takes over, followed by clavinet sounds.
Closing track “Sleepwalker” ends the album on a high note with a rapid beat and a high energy symphonic rock flavor. As you would expect, there is a fabulous, searing solo from Goodman. This piece captures the group in full flight. A scorching guitar entry adds to the intensity, bringing Thirteen to a powerful close.
Musicians: Steve Haaas on drums; Pete Drungle on keyboards and music direction; Jerry Goodman on electric violin; Samuel Hällkvist on electric guitar; Kirwan Brown on bass and guitar; and Sean Lennon on bass.
Track List:
1. Incident at the Country Club
2. Five Seven Loop
3. Back Door Party
4. Thirteen
5. This Thing Ain’t Gonna Suck Itself
6. Sleepwalker
The CD shows 6 tracks, while the digital version features an additional track titled “Lebanese Beige.”
Buy Thirteen.