Search - Gavin Harrison :: Sanity & Gravity

Decent solo release

WillieB | 11/08/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Gavin Harrison is currently one of rock music's elite drummers, but before joining Porcupine Tree, he released this jazzy solo disc in 1997. Harrison co-wrote most songs with help from Gary Sanctuary (keys) and Mick Karn (bass). Keyboard maestro Dave Stewart collaborates on two songs and Jakko Jakszyk (keys) on one.



This is not a drum shred album, but solid, groove oriented material that varies from fusion on "Aim", funk on "Dog Day", and softer melodies like "A Place to Stay" and "Witness". There are scat type vocals on three songs and it's hard to digest on "Dearest Blood", very whiny. The inclusion of the Sarangi (an Indian bowed string instrument that sounds like a cross between a sitar and a violin) on several tunes is a nice change of pace that sounds cool. If you're a huge Gavin fan I'm sure you'll get this, if it's not out of print, but if you like this style of music (contemporary jazz) there are many artists out there just as good that won't break the bank.

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