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SEALED; Chester Thompson (Genesis / Weather Report Etc) - Wakeup Call.2023  cd barcode 767461286212 progrockcom issue

Packaged in a gatefold digipack with clear tray. © 2023 on disc.

Chester Thompson is well-known in the line of musicians, being a drummer and percussionist who’s been playing with Santana, Genesis, Weather Report and Frank Zappa. That says quite a lot of the talent of this musician.

Here’s his third solo album, following the releases of A Joyful Noise (Bluemoon 1991) and Steppin’ (Sweetwater Studios 2019). Now with Wake-up Call he’s back with yet another smooth jazz release that will be of high interest to many fusion fans.

Jazz/fusion is a very wide genre. I know many listeners who’s are more into the complex side of jazz/fusion, and others who like the soft and commercial side. Chester Thompson’s songs are absolutely on the soft side, even though including some really fine musicianship. Back to that later.

On this album he’s accompanied by Robert ’Peewee’ Hill (bass), his wife Michiko Hill (piano, keyboards), and Walter Rodriguez (percussion) playing on all tracks. Added to them we find guesting musicians Akil Thompson (guitars on 1,3, 8), Caleb Quay (guitars on 7-9), Ronnie Vann (guitars on 4), Brendan Harkin (guitars on 5) and Scheila Gonzales (saxophone on 7).

”Attitude” is one of my favorite songs. It has a triolic beat, and some of you my have noticed I have a weak spot for triolic beats. It features nice saxophone fills by Scheila Gonzales.

”Sunrise” is probably the most pop oriented song, with only a little of jazz/fusion shining through. Cool synth solo playing by Michiko. In ”Hide And Seek” she lets the piano talk, and I think a little of David Benoit.

One of my favourite songs is ”Feel It”, in spite of being soft it has a rich funky bass playing by Hill. All in all it turns into a lovely beat of the song. Another fave track is ”Sometime Soon”, where some Sergio Mendes moves shine through (sort of latin vibes), and great solo playing by Michiko with a Moog:ish sound.

One thing that I really like about this album is how the musicians collaborate. This could very well have turned into a heavily rhythm oriented recording, given that a drummer and percussionist is releasing it. But no, this is a solid effort with a teamwork that shines through. Classy soft fusion.

1. Wake Up Call 4:04

2 Sunrise 4:50

3 Hide And Seek 4:14

4 Feel It 5:04

5 Smack 'Em 4:17

6 Sometime Soon 4:43

7 Attitude 4:24

8 Joy! Joy! Joy! 4:13

9 Reflection 5:46

Bass – Robert "Peewee" Hill*

Drums – Chester Thompson

Guitar – Akil Thompson (tracks: 1, 3, 8), Brendan Harkin (tracks: 5), Caleb Quay (tracks: 7 to 9), Ronnie Vann (tracks: 4)

Percussion – Walter Rodriquez

Piano, Keyboards – Michiko Hill

Saxophone – Jeff Coffin (tracks: 1), Scheila Gonzalez (tracks: 7)

Caerllysi Music

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