The Richard Hallebeek Project is the self titled
debut CD featuring advanced instrumental jazz/rock fusion
by Dutch guitar monster Richard Hallebeek, along with Lale
Larson (keys), Udo Pannekeet (bass) and Bas Cornelissen (drums),
and special guest appearances from Brett Garsed and the late
great Shawn Lane (guitar) on four tracks. As Hallebeek himself
wrote in January of 2004, "After being a sideman for
many years, I finally felt the time was right to step out
on my own. I've enjoyed playing in different formats in the
past, but have always had a very clear picture about how I
wanted things to be. Meeting Cornelissen and Larson was a
big turning point - we seemed to hit it off right away. They
made unique contributions to the songs and to the project
as a whole. At the same time, Liquid Note Records gave us
the green light to write and play the kind of music we loved,
but rarely hear nowadays. Of course, we didn't stop there
- the guest performances by Shawn and Brett added to the excitement
we felt when we first got to play together with this group."
So I am guessing by now you have concluded that
this release is in the progressive jazz fusion vein... and
along with the recent OHM cd it would appear that this is
a genre that is starting to make somewhat of a comeback. However,
the more adventurous rock fan will get a lot from this so
don't be afraid to sample some of this genre.
This self titled cd from Richard Hallebeek will
hopefully put him at the forefront of the new rising as its
of a very high caliber throughout. Fans of newer acts like
the aforementioned OHM and fusion legends such as Allan Holdsworth,
Frank Gambale and to an extent Greg Howe will find a lot to
devour here. Mixed in with the traditional guitar led jazz
fusion sound there is a definte Frank Zappa vibe to my ears.
The quirky arrangements highlight this and again this is to
be considered a strength.
The production is crystal clear and avoids sounding
sterile as too many releases in this genre do. The addition
of Shawn Lane (what was his last musical adventure) and Brett
Garsed are sure to bring in a few fans that otherwise may
not get to know of RHP, and they too will be satisfied with
their artists contributions. There is a definite live vibe
throughout yet each track posesses structure and avoid aimless
meandering.
Highlights on jazz fusion albums are often hard
to pick as its generally more "a sum of the parts",
as opposed to "single entities". Yet Canoga Park
stands out thanks to its mesmerising atmospheric depth and
some sublime solos from Richard Hallebeek and Shawn Lane.
Good Food has a nice almost 70's pomp prog vibe to it that
again makes it worthy of its own mention.
Overall RHP is a very solid slice of jazz rock
and I get the feeling this band will be killer in the live
setting. Fans of jazz rock/fusion make sure you check this
out!
