Jack Grassel Thunder Stones

A more interesting set than his usual recent output by mostly smooth jazz guitarist Jack Grassel (disappointing on the whole given his years of tuition from John McLaughlin hero Tal Farlow), ably assisted by an army of sidemen such that a tick list is required in the album notes for the track credits! Album adhesion is therefore perhaps expectedly lacking, not helped by the impersonal 80s style Miles synth jazz that predominates, repeat with corny endings. But also shining through are some quite fruity moments, especially later in the album, when the smooth jazz cheese is set aside for more moreish morsels.

One of the highlights should have been the title track, heavy with backbeat and expansive synthbass intro, it suddenly breaks into a hip-hoppy vocal piece, but then outplays itself, unsure which genre to settle in, and cannot be saved by some rocking lead guitar and slap bass pyrotechnics. A better cut "Clouds" appears a couple of tracks later; here a more harmonious sinuous arrangement successfully explores less clich d soundscapes. The refreshing novelty persists for two tracks further, introducing worldly instruments, violin, didge, etc, countered with alternative voicings on Grassel's guitar. The best funk is saved to last on "Take Our Brains", a Breckeresque rampaging gumbo that is too good for most of the rest of the album. In places "Thunder Stones" is along the lines of Tribal Tech, Weather Report, 80s Miles and John McLaughlin's The Heart of Things.