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WHOOPGNASH UNCLEAR CHANNEL – LIVE 2004 DVD (Killer fusion)
Review by Randy Booth (a.k.a. Rand X)

Today, what is called “fusion” is often really either
heavy instrumental “shred” rock with little or no jazz
influence, or it’s new-age sleep-inducing fuzak. For
those who long for fusion that fits the classic definition
-- a seamless blend of the energy and “loudness” of rock
with the complexity, dexterity and improvisational spirit
of jazz -- Whoopgnash delivers.

While Whoopgnash’s music obviously travels through territory
blazed about 20 years ago by Holdsworth’s IOU band and Bill
Connors, Whoopgnash comes off as more of an extension of that
music rather than a slavish clone.

The 2004 live DVD Unclear Channel solidifies Whoopgnash’s
stature as one of today’s finest fusioneers. The DVD case states,
“This DVD was shot in one, two hour in-studio session, no
overdubs. These are all first takes and represent Whoopgnash as
we play live, mistakes and all.”

I had a hard time detecting any mistakes, which is especially
amazing considering the extremely complex material this tight
trio performs. It’s exciting enough to listen to this music
being played, but the experience goes to a whole new level
when you watch guitarist John Erickson’s fleet fingers traversing
the fretboard as effortlessly as if he were playing air guitar to
“Devil Take The Hindmost.”

Bassist Jeff Jarrard and drummer Bill Paul show remarkable
telepathic interplay, often changing tempos faster than you
can count the time signatures. The bass playing is busy without
getting in the way, while somehow always managing to set the
foundation of the music –- a lot like what Jeff Berlin was doing
back in his days with Bruford and on Holdsworth’s Road Games
album. Paul is all over the kit, and like Erickson, seems to do it
effortlessly.

The ultimate charm of this DVD is it’s like the band invited
you over to their soundproofed garage to hang with them and
watch them play – no fancy camera work, no artsy “conceptual”
computer-animated interludes, no dry ice, no spandex, no scantily
clad dancers (guys, can you at least squeeze that into your next DVD?)
–- nothing but fiery instrumental fusion played before your
eyes by 3 highly skilled musicians.

If you own Whoopgnash’s 2 CDs, this DVD is a must. If you’re
a fan of fusion with a capital “F” –- especially the Holdsworth/Connors
brand of fusion -- and you haven’t yet discovered this band,
this DVD is a great place to start.

Also, although there is no official audio CD version of the
DVD music, band leader John Erickson offers a no-frills homemade
CDR for a mere $12 (includes shipping within USA), so you can get
an earful of this incredible live performance when you can’t
watch the DVD.

For details about Whoopgnash, visit whoopgnash.com or email John at
whoopgnash@hotmail.com

EER-MUSIC.com Editor's note: Thanks Rand X for that fine review! Randy
Booth is one of the "last words" when it comes to fusion -- knowing his
stuff like few fusion fans I have encountered. He stays ahead of even
a fusion junkie like me with what's hot in the genre. I have to agree 100%
with his review of this DVD and EER-MUSIC.com highly recommends it.

Also the DVD has hilarious segues, intros & outro of David Letterman meets
SNL's Mr. Bill type humor. Who ever would think of ending a DVD with a
toaster full of fire***ers or M-80s plugged in and cooking? ;-P

Bron; mijn dvd collectie