JERRY GOODMAN

THIRTEEN – THE HAAS COMPANY VOL 4

Psychiatric Records and tapes, LLC

Jerry Goodman, electric violin; Pete Drungle, keyboards/composer; Steve Haas, drums; Samuel Hallkvist, electric guitar; Kirwan Brown, bass/guitar; Sean Lennon, bass.

The Haas Company is a very unique group led by drummer Steve Haas. They have teamed up with Jerry Goodman, an original member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra during their 1971 – 1973 explosion. Goodman has been an influential violinist who has long participated in the jazz fusion movement.  On this album, titled “Thirteen,” he fits perfectly into the Haas Company energy.  Pianist, Pete Drungle provides all the original music for this awesome album.

They open with a composition titled “Incident at the Country Club.”  Propelled by a funk groove, the tune makes me wonder, what happened at the Country Club?  Steve Haas pushes the song forward on power-driven drums.  The rhythm section is expressive and exciting.  They lay down a rich groove for Jerry Goodman’s violin to bounce upon.  Pete Drungle’s keyboard work is awe inspiring. Also, Samuel Hallkvist makes an electrified statement on his guitar.

The second track is called, “Five Seven Loop.”  It’s a challenging composition that switches seamlessly from 5/4 time to 7/4 time, alternating between the two.  Pete Drungle headlines on keyboard, with the punch and power of Steve Haas always at his back. The drums push forward. Haas holds down the odd meters perfectly.

A tune they call “Back Door Party” features Kirwan Brown who steps in to play guitar instead of bass.  Sean Lennon is their guest on the bass. He lays down an infectious, funky bass line. This is an updated blues tune that gets deep, down, into my soul. Kirwan Brown’s guitar mastery is the star of this show. It’s a joy-filled jam, with all the musicians taking improvised moments to contribute to this hugely funky groove.

On the title tune, “Thirteen,” the attention is given to Jerry Goodman’s very creative and innovative violin. During this arrangement, the rhythm masters lay down an ethereal background, somewhat rubato with electronic effects. Suddenly, they break into a strong rock groove, with Haas slapping the time into place. Steve Haas has loved fusion, modern jazz and creative rock from an early age.  He is the driving force behind all this well-played music.  Haas is the founder of The Haas Company and Psychiatric Records and Tapes. He and his super talented band of merry men revitalize jazz/rock fusion on this project. The addition of the super talented violinist, Jerry Goodman, is like pouring hot fudge onto the ice cream sundae. This project is cool, hot, and deliciously sweet to the musical taste buds.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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