Review (Fusion): Gong Xi – Allen Weber
Guitarist Allen Weber calls his music “Sandunga
Jazz Fusion (Groove with Energy)” which he considers is a “Jazz
Fusion infused with Latin, Carribeo, Funk, Blues, R & B and
Rock.” - http://hotshockband.com/
What I liked about this piece was the fusion of styles that
came together in an interesting way. The
blend of reggae and rock under a Chinese theme creates a curious sonic
experience.
Hearing the gong and the chants of AUM in the beginning
almost reminded me of John Coltrane’s album “OM.” But the similarities end
there the piece goes off in a whole different direction.
The beginning statement “Gong Xi Fa Cai” is a phrase used
during the Chinese New Year loosely translated to mean “congratulations you are
multiplying wealth.”
This phrase is repeated for several times in the beginning
of the song over a reggae groove. The
use of guitar effects and distortion add color and variation and then the
groove builds into a chromatic interlude section. The interlude foreshadows the entry of the organ
solo section (that needed to be brought up in the mix) which is on a whole
different vamp entirely. The solo
section is definitely rock based using a repeated cadence to build the
intensity. The organ solo is followed by
the guitar “shred” solo over the same repeated cadence. I like the harmonic and rhythmic variation
created by changing the solo sections to a completely different feel.
I guess visually the piece can go both ways. An American rocker goes to Hong Kong during
the Chinese New Year and rocks out at a jam session or a Chinese immigrant
comes to America and after getting rich celebrates by rocking out.
The piece never returns back to the beginning theme which is
an interesting choice compositionally but I think this choice works as a fusion
piece.
You can listen to and purchase their album here:
Rating:
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