It is rare when I pick up a CD and pop it in and like it immediately. That is exactly what happened when I listened to "Return To Bass." If you seek a slick pop CD, than this is not for you. What lies within is a collection of well written prog-fusion songs that are obviously bass-centric but highly enjoyable to anyone that enjoys the style of Stanly Clarke, Return To Forever, Mahavishnu, Jeff Beck, Tommy Bolin, etc. Jamie wrote and played outside the box on this release. Isn't coloring outside the lines what it's all about?
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I first became aware of Jamie's work through his Tony Martin association, but it is important to keep in mind all his other projects and diversity of styles. This is NOT primarily a metal-oriented record, although it certainly rocks at times. Fully instrumental, this is a tour de force through a variety of styles - rock, prog, ambience, fusion, psychedelia and even short melodic dittys. 

Depending on your point of view, the album will either be all over the place with the songs having no unified style, or you'll find that it displays an exciting range of styles and is an exciting musical odyssey. I can see both points, but definately find myself more in the latter category. The common theme is that the bass guitar is the main voice, usually melodic, always flowing along nicely. Nothing seems forced, it flows along effortlessly, and the music breathes very well. I would have liked a little less fusion-inspired moments and more psychedelic freakout personally, but that does not take much away from what I find to be a great effort.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
"Return to bass" is a truly wonderful and unique instrumental album. The music is great, production values are perfect. There are many instruments and neither one of them gets lost in the mix.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
The "Return To Bass" album is excellent: songs are great, production values are awesome; not a single instrument gets lost in the mix, and there are many instruments (all performed by Jamie) so album is rich and has variety that many people will find interesting!
                            Read more...