DFA
Work In Progress Live
Review by Steve Alspach
One of the criticisms of fusion jazz was that it was little more than a forum for players to show off their ability to play 256th notes as fast as possible. While the Italian progressive-fusion band DFA can be considered a fusion jazz-rock combo, they proved without a doubt that you don't need lightning solos to impress the audience. The group made its American debut at NearFest 2000, and what a debut it was! For one hour this band treated the audience to frequent flashes of brilliance as it seemed to blend influences from a wide range of progressive music acts, but the band always sounded original and never derivative. The soloing is never overdone, always melodic and the band is content to function as a well-oiled unit rather than four musicians fighting for center stage. This CD does a top-notch job of capturing the band's performance that afternoon. The personnel is Silvio Minella, guitars; Luca Baldassari, bass; Alberto De Grandis, drums and vocals; and Alberto Bonomi, keyboards and vocals.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2002 Year Book Volume 1 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2001-and-2002.
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