CHRIS WABICH

1978 (STEEP)

ADW Records

Chris Wabich, drums/composer; Josh Nelson, piano; Dan Lutz, acoustic bass.

The drums of Chris Wabich have propelled television and sound recordings like American Idol and the IMAZ MTV Music Awards. He knew he wanted to be a drummer as early as seven-years old when he began taking drum lessons. Two years later, he began studying classical percussion.

For several decades, Wabich has built a strong career in the Los Angeles area as a master drummer, steel drummer, producer and composer.  He has worked with a huge variety of iconic artists, adding his drum chops to recordings by the brilliant guitarist, Stanley Jordan, Grammy winning vocalist, Mark Murphy, hit song-maker, Ludacris and the legendary Sting. After over a Baker’s Dozen of album releases as a bandleader, Wabich offers us “1978 (STEEP),” a trio album.

The first tune is titled “Jiang (Sage Ember).”  Wabich has composed all the songs on this album. It’s pensive and beautiful.  Josh Nelson always knows how to get the listener’s attention with his sensitive, intoxicating piano playing.

Wabich opens Track 2 on the drums.  Called “Ruby on the Old Street/1978,” it is another moderate tempo’d arrangement, looping into a rhythmical 7/8 beat.  By this tune title, it sounds like Chris Wabich is going back down memory lane.  Dan Lutz lends a strong bass line to the production, then takes a brief solo before Nelson re-enters on piano. His upper register notes remind me of a chirping bird.

“Oolong” is the title of Track 3.  I wonder if he’s talking about one of my favorites, Oolong tea.  It’s another very beautiful ballad.  This album seems to be geared for the Easy Listening market.

Recently, Wabich was the recipient of the COLA master solo artist grant, making him the first percussionist to ever perform a solo show at the LA Grand performances series.

I would have enjoyed hearing more drums and a couple of really up-tempo tunes.  However, this is an album full of peace and tranquility.  No complaints about that.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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