FBPO Review
So Fast and Better Than Ever
Curtis Ohlson
CD Reviews
Curtis Ohlson is a great bass player. After having performed with Ray Charles, Buddy Rich and a host of other major league artists, Curtis recorded two CDs of his own in the late ’80s, both of which were released in the second half of 2009, both sounding good as new.
Curtis’ first CD, So Fast, does have several reminders that it hails from the ’80s, mostly by way of synthesizers, drum machines and frequent use of various sampled instruments. The writing is good, Curtis having written or co-written nearly all the tunes. The line-up of bandmates is equally impressive. The album features Branford Marsalis and Marc Russo on saxophones, Andy Narell on steel drums and Pete Escovedo on percussion, among others.
Curtis demonstrates his versatility on bass throughout, from the heavy funk beat on “Half Nelson” to the flawless slapping and popping on “Verbal Abuse.” His beautiful fretless playing is featured on the latin-style “Love School” and his dazzling piccolo bass shines through on ballads “You” and “I’m Dreaming of You (As I Sing This Song),” as well as the reggae-inspired “Village Chant.”
The album also features vocalist Rosie Gaines, who sings her heart out on the funky, synth-laden title tune. Finally, “This Burg’s For You,” a nod to the Miles Davis/Marcus Miller era, is a funky, feel-good piece and an appropriate closer for the album.
As much as I enjoyed So Fast, I liked Better Than Ever even more (perhaps because the ’80s-style synthesizer/drum machine sound is a little more understated).
On this album, Curtis and the band get right to it, beginning with “Hometown,” an upbeat, funky tune with lots of slapping. As in So Fast, Curtis offers a variety of bass sounds and styles. His beautiful fretless playing can be heard on the quasi-ballad “It’s No Surprize,” the partly funky/partly jazzy “Better Than Ever” and the light jazz/rock tune, “Still Life,” which also features steel drummer Andy Narell. Curtis’ great piccolo bass playing is showcased in the funky “Every Day’s Friday” and the ballad, “Why,” which also provides more of Ohlson’s expressive fretless playing.
Once again, Curtis surrounds himself with a first-rate band, including Yellowjackets alums Marc Russo on saxophone, who is prominently featured throughout the CD, and drummer Will Kennedy. Guitarists Ray Obiedo and Stef Birnbaum and keyboardist Peter Horvath all make major contributions, as well. Rosie Gaines returns to handle the lead vocal duties for “A Thousand Years,” turning in another stellar performance.
“Special K” exemplifies the rap-oriented groove that had become all the rage back in the late ’80s, replete with synths and samplers. Marc Russo captures just the right feel on sax, while Curtis accentuates the feel with strategically placed slaps and pops.
“One More Try” is a gospel-tinged groove with a heavy 12/8 feel. Russo’s sax solo and Horvath’s organ sound bring out this essence masterfully. “Three Good Reasons” provides another reminder that this music was recorded in the ’80s, with its electronic keyboard patch, Sanborn-esque saxophone style, heavy drum machine programming and funky slap bass. The album closer, “Enough Is Enough” (actually a bonus track, not on the original release), is a feel-good funky R&B tune with organ and guitar solos.
How fortunate that these two CDs have been re-released after some twenty years. When it comes down to it, good music is good music and good playing is good playing. On So Fast and Better Than Ever, Curtis Ohlson comes through on both fronts.
Review by Jon Liebman
So Far and Better than Ever are available in the FBPO store:
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