Unlikely guitar guru George Pajon, Jr., probably best known for his work with pop-rap hitmakers the Black Eyed Peas, offers a new perspective for what jazz guitar is all about. His 2005 release, Fried Plantains is the least guitar-centric record led by a guitar player in quite some time. Funky lines and deep grooves are the order of the day, with writing that has a very vintage, chitlin’ circuit feel. Hammond B-3s and fuzz tone overdrive abounds, mingling and churning over an ever-present, less-is-more drum groove. Without a blistering, pyrotechnic guitar passage to be found, the whole record has a very relaxed, low-rider kind of vibe to it. Featuring drummer Mike Clark, one of hip-hop’s most sampled drummers of all time; fellow Black Eyed Peas veteran, bass player Mike Fratantuno; jazz-funk pioneer, organist/keyboard player Robert Walter; and fusion drumming great Robin Dimaggio as Pajon’s base, all the right ingredients are there for a good ‘n’ greasy, home-cooked disc. Though maybe lacking the interest for a jazz aficionado’s sit-down listen, Fried Plantains is a great disc for a relaxed hang. – Evan C. Gutierrez
more »