Word: bassists
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...that was decidedly eclectic, criss-crossing the various subgenres of dance music. Where other dance acts might have been happy to go on stage with just two turntables, the group turned up at Axis not only with a DJ, but with the full complement of a rock band: guitarist, bassist and two (!) drummers to simulate the maniacal drum-machine rhythms of their songs, not to mention loads of lighting effects. It wasn't just a gimmick. Apollo 440's big-beat-tinged songs tend to have an arena-rock quality; indeed, their biggest hit, 1997's apostrophe-laden...
...poignancy of Metheny's unique, gentle style reached its height in Beyond the Missouri Sky, his 1997 collaboration with bassist Charlie Haden. After such a tour-de-force, Metheny's latest album, Trio 99-00, is something of a disappointment. Metheny seems compelled on track after track to exhibit the Pagannini side of his guitar talents, going off on elaborate licks and solos. It's impressive, no doubt, but Metheny's heart isn't there. He comes to life not in the elaborate showmanship of a piece like "(Go) Get It" but in the more contemplative tracks like "Travels...
...their 10th album, garage rockers Yo La Tengo--married singer-songwriters Georgia Hubley and Ira Kaplan, plus bassist James McNew--turn down the amps, shut the garage door and head up to the living quarters. Fifteen remarkable tracks later, we've learned that the adult love song--gentle, small, intimate--is very much alive. Kaplan and Hubley sing about love imperfect, illuminating the tiny lies that keep couples apart and the humor and empathy that draw them back together...
...Loves You Porgy," he conjures simple sentimentality in a lush landscape of tender phrasing and introspective tones. Granted, not every single aspect of Ballad Sessions works. Turner's group doesn't gel when he attempts to change pace with Latin inflections on "All or Nothing At All," and bassist Larry Grenadier and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel just aren't up to par with their more talented headliner. It's not that Turner isn't featured with ample attention, but he still leaves you wanting to hear more...
...label, however, meets with his wholehearted approval. Veteran bassist Charlie Haden, a longtime admirer and sometime collaborator (Rejoicing, Beyond the Missouri Sky), calls Metheny's music "contemporary impressionistic Americana." Asked to comment, the guitarist breaks out in a smile as wide as the Great Plains. "I like that one," he says. "I'll buy that...