FBPO Review
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Come Together by Vail Johnson
CD Review
Just when you thought every possible Beatles tribute concept had been done, along comes somebody with yet another approach. This time, that somebody is bass ace Vail Johnson, long-time low-ender for the Kenny G band and a very capable leader in his own right.
In his latest effort, Come Together, Vail successfully finds new ways for us to enjoy these tunes, despite the fact that we’ve heard them so many times over the years. While many albums released by bass players can only be appreciated by -- well -- other bass players, Vail makes the music accessible to others by way of his meticulous adherence to the melodies, offering up a variety of styles and surrounding himself with a first-rate band.
Overdubs abound throughout the album, sometimes augmenting solo and melody lines and sometimes laying down bass grooves (hey, somebody’s gotta function as the bass player if the star melodist and soloist just happens to be a bass player!). With a cameo appearance by Vail’s “day gig” boss, Kenny G, on a couple tunes, the project also receives strong support from fellow G-band members Ron Powell (percussion), John Raymond (guitar) and Danny Bejarano (drums). Hans Z provides the keyboard work, as well as collaboration with Johnson on the string orchestrations. Rounding out the band are guitarists Steve Stephens, Tom Strahle and Tommy V and drummers Russ McKinnon, Sergio Gonzales and Vail, himself.
The album kicks off with a high-energy version of “Come Together,” showing off Vail’s superior funk chops. Though there’s really not too much to this melody, Vail pulls it off (literally!) with his first-rate slapping and popping abilities. The feel-good vibe, with VJ’s dazzling funk bass chops, works well as an opener.
“Eleanor Rigby” showcases Vail’s ability to carry a melody expressively, with a clear, impeccable tone, never letting the listener forget it’s a bass. Similar treatments, often with string accompaniment, are given to “Let it Be,” “Something,” “Yesterday” and “The Long and Winding Road.” Though nearly half the tunes are ballads, the album is, by no means, “sleepy.” Rather, it stands as a reminder of how strong songwriting can hold up in a just about any setting.
Vail continually keeps things interesting by adapting these rock classics to a variety of styles, often unexpected. “A Hard Days Night,” for example, is played as a danceable latin tune, “Get Back,” a country feel with plenty of slap, is downright fun and “Lady Madonna” has a strong eighth-note feel while, at the same time, a light quality. “Can’t Buy Me Love” is played with a funky rock feel, “Penny Lane,” a bouncy shuffle, and “I want to Hold Your Hand,” the album’s closer, with a funky groove, supported by a slap-laden foundation.
Setting out to offer a new treatment of Beatles classics is a bold move. Vail strikes a pleasing balance between overly familiar on the one hand and something new, different and interesting on the other. “Come Together” is a successful marriage between the Beatles and the bass. If you like either (or both), give it a try.
Review by Jon Liebman
Vail Johnson's Come Together CD is available in the FBPO store:
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Also see our exclusive one-on-one interview with Vail Johnson
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Vail Johnson |