CD Review: Rik Wright’s Fundamental Forces – Blue

Rik Wright (guitar); James DeJoie (alto sax /bs clt/ clt / fl); Geoff Harper (bs); Greg Campbell ( dms).

(Review by Steve H).

Rik Wright cites his guitar influences as the 3 J’s - Jim Hall, Jeff Beck and John Abercrombie although it is the 3 M’s - Monk, Miles and Mingus who are his compositional influences.

Each of Wright’s tunes have a very melodic catchy  feel. DeJoie features on different reed instruments throughout. On the opening number Mood Ring, he plays clarinet then he follows this with an Alto solo on The Butterfly Effect whilst on Nonchalant he features on Bass Clarinet. On Parting Ways he plays a flute intro with an almost Japanese feel to it. Meanwhile, Wright’s  guitar complements the reeds  with crisp gentle chords with the  bass and drums working steadily away. The final track Miss Thing  takes it out a bit more with a rasping alto solo from DeJoie and an almost Pink Floyd style heavy rock guitar solo from Wright.

Personally, I would give this album 3 S’s Safe Solid and Soothing.
Details.

Steve H.