‘Carmanology’ is the intriguing title to an inviting long player by the ALLEN CARMAN PROJECT. Carman is a respected US jazz bassist who for many years sort of retired from the business. A couple of years ago he was tempted back by his friend, percussionist Gumbi Ortiz and with keyboardist Philippe Saisse and drummer Luis Alicea, they started to cut a few tracks… now they have enough for a full LP …. et voila here it is – ‘Carmanology’!
This is no ordinary smooth jazz project though. Such is the standing of the foursome that they could call on some big names to help them flesh out their musical ideas. So playing on this concise 9 tracker are people like Rick Braun, Marc Antoine, Andy Snitzer, Bill Harris and a certain Nile Rodgers. The Chic man adds his distinctive guitar to ‘State Of Mine’ – the LP’s lead-off single – a classic smooth jazz soul based groove on which Rodgers’ cutting guitar duels with Saisse’s crystalline piano. Another album highlight is the Jobim-tinged ‘Carisma’ and for something a little less predictable try the crazy electric violin (from Eric Garr) on ‘Bodega Alien’.
‘Carmanology’ is released April 5th.
