Woodenhead are an instrumental band from New Orleans who play an tasty mix of fiery jazz fusion, southern rock, R&B, and complex yet symphonic progressive rock. Although the band has been around since the early 70's, this is only their sixth album, but they sound like a new band hungry to get their music to the masses. Featuring a style that will instantly remind you of the Dixie Dregs mixed with bits of Frank Zappa, Chicago, the Brecker Brothers, Happy the Man, and perhaps a little Mahavishnu Orchestra, Woodenhead have honed their chops and songwriting skills for close to thirty years, and Perserverance is sure to turn many heads.
Recorded live at Carrollton Station in New Orleans, the sound quality is excellent throughout this CD. Songs like "Big G", "Drop Dead", and "Chef of the Future" are seemingly like unreleased Dixie Dregs tunes, although with a New Orleans flavor. Guitarist Jimmy Robinson is a smokin' player, as his tasty Steve Morse/Frank Zappa/Eric Johnson/Allan Holdsworth influenced style adds lots of unique textures, while keyboardist Fran Comiskey contributes a jazzy touch that offsets the rock tone of Robinson. "Bone Wars" and "Little Blue" combine jazz, R&B, and symphonic rock (much like Zappa's early 70's output) to a great effect. An added horn section lifts "Buzz Beat", "Dance #2" and "Funk Tune" to even greater heights, as the southern fusion meets R&B arrangments gives these songs a truly unique sound. Check out the frantic rhythm section of bassist Paul Clement and drummer Mark Whitaker on the complex "Yes and No", a furious, Dreg's flavored chicken pickin' number that lets Robinson lay down some tasty and flashy solos.
It seems that there are quite a few excellent progressive fusion CD's being released lately. Alongside the latest from Frogg Cafe, Perserverance from Woodenhead is at the head of the pack. For quality instrumental rock, you can't go wrong with this one.
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