If you’re a fan of good jazz fusion and the finest experimental rhythms around, then look no further than ‘Song For Mimi’. Steve Haas is on drums on this album and he is also the founder of The Haas Company and executive producer on this new release. Steve’s deep love for modern jazz and inventive rock inspired him to start up this company. ‘The Haas Company Vol 3 Song For Mimi’ is stacking up to be one fine record where extreme originality reigns supreme.
Swedish guitar sensation Samuel Hällkvist is the featured artist on this album who handles electric & acoustic guitars. All material on ‘Song For Mimi’ was composed, arranged and produced by keyboardist Pete Drungle with help from his longtime friend & collaborator Steve Haas. Drungle plays Rhodes, Moog Odyssey, Mini Moog, various synths and acoustic piano on the new album. Rounding out the musicians we have: Sean Lennon on guitar & bass atmospherics, Kirwan Brown and Guy Pratt (of Pink Floyd) on bass and violinists Jerry Goodman (famed for his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nicolas Draps, Todd Reynolds, Robert Wechsler, Mark Feldman, and Scott Tixler. Together, these esteemed artists have created a piece of work that is nothing short of spectacular with ‘Song For Mimi’.
Drawing from the classic 70s fusion era, this record explores those aspects while also incorporating new & innovative approaches to music making. The album starts off strong with “Aphelion” that is simply jazz fusion at its finest. The thrill is real as electrifying grooves will leave you wanting more on “Aphelion”. Get ready for mesmerizing chords, memorable notes and an out-of-this-world sound on “Shaguzo”. Next, the listener will be subjected to a colorful performance that really POPS on “In Cologne”. Stellar instrumentation can be heard and played with such finesse as “In Cologne” is musical mayhem done right. The musical ensemble is soaring high and kicking it up a notch on the following number “Smacky McBrown”, which proves to be a rock-solid recording. An intriguing melody draws you in on “Country Cousin” where a sense of wonder floats past your ears. “Country Cousin” offers plenty of depth musically and is rich in substance. Take a stroll down the “Tokyo Sidewalk” where this composition is taking off with one sturdy beat and a vast universal sound that surrounds you. The ensemble is in full control and groovin’ to the MAX on “Tokyo Sidewalk”. The title track is on deck and “Song For Mimi” is beautifully orchestrated with a wonderful arrangement in place. “Song For Mimi” truly speaks volumes from a performance standpoint where the instrumentation is flawless. Get ready for an enjoyable ride that will have you on the edge of your seat on “Last Song”. Excitement is certainly in the air where “Last Song” is igniting your senses from beginning to end. The Haas Company closes out with authority on “The 1970’s” where the full band is bringing everything to the table and not leaving any musical stone unturned. The energy is off the charts on “The 1970’s” and the audience will receive a fulfilling & entertaining finale.
Released under Psychiatric Records & Tapes LLC, ‘The Haas Company Vol 3 Song For Mimi Featuring Samuel Hällkvist’ is a high-quality record that deserves major recognition. With creative solos and masterful playing, this album has something for everyone. ‘Song For Mimi’ has been referred to as “a fusion classic of the 21st century” and I concur with that statement.
https://thehaascompany.com
https://samuelhallkvist.com/
By Jimmy Rae
