Henderson, Scott: Karnevel!

It’s been 5 years since 2019’s People Mover, and this one is worth the wait. Henderson is without a doubt a guitar hero, one of the best who has played with the best. Henderson mixes fusion with some blues as he lights up the fretboard on these 11 tracks. The disc opens up with a little Karnevel noise and segues right into the title track that combines excellent chording and soloing. This sounds so full for a trio, and like most of his tunes, the track also has space and breathes. Scott’s soloing is terrific, and the band cooks behind him, knowing how to build the tension. Scott’s phrasing is so impressive, his use of the whammy bar, and just the way he slides into the notes. His style makes everything more interesting, his use of dynamics, while the songs will catch your ear. If you want blues, “Haunted Ballroom� has a walking bassline as Henderson switches back and forth between jazzier passages and burning blues riffs. “Bilge Rat� has more of a bluesy down and dirty feel, and the guitar lines stick in your head, and it gets ripping.

Get ready, because Scott and the band rip the roof off. “Covid Vaccination� is just full of funk, groove, and fun, my favorite track. The liner notes indicate this is a tribute to Tower Of Power, and as you would expect it includes horns, but this is so tight and intricate, and yet feels perfect. I really have to give it up for Romain Labaye (Bass) and Archibald Ligonniere (Drums), these guys are killing it here and throughout. “Puerto Madero� is very lyrical and features some truly inspired soloing, another one vying for my favorite. “Sky Coaster� feels experimental once you get into the track; I would assume a lot of improv took place here. “Greene Mansion� is a solo guitar piece, while “Acacia� offers up acoustic guitar with bass taking the lead lines early on, and giving way to Henderson, this is another one where the guitar lines just get me. The closing “Carnies’ Tune� is a lively closer with a lot of ambient crowd noise to give it that Karevel! feel.

Henderson and his band are top-notch, guitar players should be chasing this one down. Henderson is a guitarist with a great touch and tone; he knows what and when to play, topped off with engaging songs and plenty of sizzling guitar.

Track List:
1. Step Right Up
2. Karnevel!
3. Haunted Ballroom
4. Covid Vaccination
5. Puerto Madero
6. Sea Around Us
7. Sky Coaster
8. Greene Mansion
9. Bilge Rat
10. Acacia
11. Carnies’ Time

Added: February 7th 2024
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 1215
Language: english

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