The next album in the collection is one of my personal favorites, “Doin’ Something” by a group called Soulive, who made a name for themselves years ago by touring as an opening act for the Dave Mathews Band summer concert series. This power trio features Eric Krasno on guitar, Neil Evans on the Hammond B-3, and his brother Alan Evans on drums. The sound this group is able to create live is unbelievable. They straight rip through jazz grooves, as the Evans brother rhythm section lays perfectly timed hits behind Kransno’s soulfully constructed guitar melodies.
More often than not bands that hold it down live seem to create studio albums that leave something to be desired. After listening to “Doin’ Something” it becomes immediately apparent that Soulive is not one of those bands. The first track on this album, Hurry Up…And Wait sets the tone with one of Krasno’s signature gripping guitar melodies, a tope-tappin’ riff to say the least. I actually had the privilege of hearing Soulive perform this song with the legendary Sam Kinninger on alto sax numerous times, the most memorable being their performance at the inaugural Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, TN. Sam played an extended unaccompanied cadenza, using the signature keys on his saxophone to create a percussive sound that echoed through the crowd, demonstrating his as well as the instrument’s versatility.
Some hardcore fans would argue that the deviation from a power trio on this album to include a horn section comprised of Sam Kininger, Fred Wesley and Jacques Schwartz-Bart creates somewhat of a watered down sound on certain tracks such as Cannonball. These people have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about. This horn section couldn’t be tighter, moving flawlessly through these riffs creating a layered sound that seamlessly contributes to the wholesome full-bodied character of the piece.
Bottom line is the jazz funk trio has done it again, crafting another incredible album that needs to be added to your collection. ****
