Uncle Moe's Space Ranch

Album Review

The fourth offering from the guitar partners Brett Garsed and T.J. Helmerich finds the duo surrounded by some of fusion's best. The music has a distinctive Tribal Tech influence thanks to the presence of bassist Gary Willis, but the guitarists' distinctive voices make this a unique sounding quintet. Garsed's long flowing lines are complemented nicely by Helmerich's experimental sonic adventures, which are cohesively held together by the excellent supporting cast. Drummer Virgil Donati makes a memorable guest appearance on "SighBorg," while fusion master Dennis Chambers propels the band on the remaining tracks. The selections include the full-throttle fusion of "SighBorg," the metal-ish "Swarming Goblets," and the Zappa-influenced "I Want to Be a Pine Cone," and there's even some slide guitar on "A Thousand Days." While by no means groundbreaking, this is an enjoyable recording from two of fusion's most intelligent torchbearers.