Search - Charlie Hunter, Bobby Previte :: Come in Red Dog This Is Tango Leader

Undistinguished, but growing on me

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 04/19/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Charlie Hunter and Bobby Previte have made many fine records. I regret to say this is not one of them.



There is, admittedly, a somewhat cool loose-funk vibe pretty much all over this disc, and I do like the way it's mixed. But there's just not enough substance here. It sounds like the boys just went into the studio with a bunch of tune sketches and pretty much just let it all hang out. The percussive add-ons (bells, scratches, blips, voice samples) give the game away. Without them, Hunter's tired funk clichés and Previte's plodding drums don't amount to much. With them, there's a certain alien interest that, however, soon begins to wear thin.



On the other hand, perhaps this meeting spawned Groundtruther, the Hunter/Previte duo + one so far documented in the fine disc, Latitude, featuring Greg Osby. If that's the case, we should cut the lads a little slack. Plus, the price is about 20 percent below the normal disc. And, it does grow on you.



All told approaching, but not quite reaching, ****."

Groovin'

Troy Collins | Lancaster, PA United States | 06/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Come In Red Dog, This Is Tango Leader" documents the first meeting between guitarist Charlie Hunter and drummer, percussionist and composer Bobby Previte. Their initial recording has a relaxed, atmospheric soulfulness that belies the shape that the duo's future collaborations would take on.



Hunter's gorgeous Hammond organ-like guitar tone is famously present on most of this disc with his trademarked eight string taking endlessly inventive but rhythmically concise solos over Previte's highly arranged accompaniment. Utilizing an acoustic trap-set, a set of electronic drums as well as a sampler, all played live in the studio, Previte weaves a thick but unobtrusive web of sound. Sampled voices push the ambience past mere groove and into the realm of instrumental pop music.



Tonally, the duo delivers astounding variety. Previte's electronic drums ring out like detuned steel drums on "All Hell Breaks Loose," while Hunter's guitar tone on "Wave Link" is all reverb laden surf twang. Hunter even dips into a little gritty overdriven distortion on "Ow!" with Previte locking down a monolithic groove.



Their Groundtruther project, featuring an added third guest, transforms this duo into an ever evolving trio. This initial foray has a casual air of equitable improvisation without the experimental tendencies found on the later records. Filled with supple, mid-tempo lazy afternoon grooves, "Come In Red Dog, This Is Tango Leader" is an auspicious beginning for this pair."