The Omar Hakim Experience: We Are One
Author: Andy Robson
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
Jerry Brooks (aka Mocean Worker, b) |
Label: |
Ozmosis |
Magazine Review Date: |
July/2014 |
Catalogue Number: |
CFD 003 |
RecordDate: |
date not stated |
There's no escaping the Weather Report influence, whether it's in a crop of re-issues from Pastorious and Vitous or here, in their former sticksman's contemporary offering. Indeed that Weather Report groover ‘Molasses Run’ is a stand-out on an otherwise hyper-produced but under-inspired collection of sophisticated pop and smooth R&B. Nowt wrong with that, but you'll find precious little jazz bite here. ‘Listen Up!’ has a tang of swagger and jaunt, while ‘Walk The Walk’ has a Stanley Clarke rock-bump to it. Hakim's drum work, as you'd expect is exemplary, notably on those up-tempo escapades. But otherwise it's the smooth-a-licious vibe of the likes of ‘Remember To Remember’ that dominates. George Benson may be the benchmark here, but somewhere amid the studio perfection a touch of soul has slipped away. That said, there's plenty who will enjoy this with the lights dimmed and a cocktail stirred, but others may doze off despite Maret's classy contributions.

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