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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

Jazz Worms

Squirmin'

Review by Gary Hill

We generally include fusion under progressive rock for the point of classification at Music Street Journal. That's because it's usually not far removed from jazz rock, which is often considered a type of prog (and, in fact jazz prog is sort of a subheading of that). The music here often lands closer to the side of more mainstream jazz, but I think there is enough fusion-like sound to warrant the prog inclusion. You can quibble about the classification, but there is no mistaking the talent and quality of the music here. This is a strong jazz-based instrumental set that is effective from start to finish.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021  Volume 2. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

Track by Track Review
Launching Pad
Fast-paced jazz jamming brings this cut into being. The number drops to a more traditional jazz mode, but really does combine more traditional and fusion elements as it works forward. This is a classy piece with cool melodies and textures. It has some intriguing changes, too.
Bu's Box
Although this is less driving, it's not lacking in the passion or intensity department. I love the piano work on this thing. The drumming really stands out, too. This crosses more fully into fusion zones a lot of the time. They even move into some crazed weirdness for a time later in the tune. It drops to just bass and drums near the end. Then the bass drops away and the percussion holds the final moments alone.
Joaquin
I dig the cool swing and groove of this number. It's a fun piece that is just particularly effective. It's less fusion than the first two songs, living more in traditional jazz territory. There are some tasty explorations later on in the tune. I dig the bass and piano showcase section a lot, even if it's more of a dropped back movement.
Lickity-Split
There is a lot of energy and up-tempo jamming to this tune. I really love both the bass and piano work on this thing. The cut gets an increased intensity and volume level at points. It maintains a pretty steady, but fast, tempo throughout, then. Then again, with a title like that, what do you expect. This one lands pretty well mid-point between more traditional jazz and fusion zones.
Wheaty Bowl
This is another that does a good job of walking the fence between old-school and more fusion based jamming. The tune has some killer passages and changes.
What If All?
More of a classic jazz groove is on hand for this cut. I like the mid-section on this, and particularly the bass playing on that movement. That part of the cut does work more into fusion areas at points.
Balladesque
While this balladic cut lacks some of the energy and vitality of the other numbers, it's not lacking in passion and style. This is another that comes in more on the side of mainstream jazz than fusion.
The Chimento Files
I love the main melodies on this. The sound is very much rooted in vintage jazz textures and territory. The cut really grooves well. It's one of the most fun pieces here.
  
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