Lucas Pickford
Blown Fuse
© 2002 Lucas Pickford
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Jazz, funk, fusion; along (but not coloring within) the lines of Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, and Jaco Pastorius.
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Top east coast/and now west coast electric bassist Lucas Pickford, a veteran of gigs with Tiger's Baku, Mike Clark and the Headhunters, Greg Tardy, Scott Kinsey, Antonio Sanchez, Bob Moses, Alex Acuna, and many more, teams up with keyboardist extraordinaire Steve Hunt, a veteran of groups led by Allan Holdsworth, Billy Cobham, and Stanley Clarke team up with for one of the best jazz/fusion CD's to come along in years. In fact since it's release in 2002, "Blown Fuse" has become a "post-fusion" classic with rave reviews from giants like John McLaughlin, Marcus Miller, and Matthew Garrison.
Lucas is one of the best young players on the contemporary instrumental jazz/funk/world music scene today. Pickford is a world-class 6 and 4 string player who is no "sound alike" or "clone" of any of his contemporaries. Rather, Pickford's influences are all heard filtered through his own unique voice and mature style all his own. There are strains of the great Anthony Jackson when Pickford lays down massive subterranean low-end grooves played on his main bass, a 36' scale, 28 fret, AJ Signature Model 1993 Fodera 6 string.
And when Lucas switches to his thunderous thumb slap style, like a great boxer switching from his punishing jab to his liver-busting left hook on his '77 Jazz Bass, it recalls the original "Thumslinger" himself, Mr. Marcus Miller. Lucas is a deft soloist with technique to spare. His fleet fingered, lightening fast solos let you know that Jaco Pastorius' influence runs very, very, deep indeed.
Pickford contributed the bulk of the compositions on this 10 song CD with tunes also penned by Steve Hunt and one John McLaughlin cover, "The Wish", added in for good measure. Hunt and Pickford pay homage to many great bands of the 70's with nods to Herbie Hancock and Headhunters, Weather Report, Allan Holdsworth, Shakti, and Mahavishnu.
They cover John McLaughlin's demanding 9/4 masterpiece "The Wish" complete with Indian tablas, vocals, and another traditional Indian instrument, the Sarod played by Pickford himself after only 3 weeks of owning the instrument. This is no "tribute album" that have become so popular in recent years though. The music and the playing is fresh, alive, and multi layered. The kind of CD and music that warrants repeated listenings.
The musicians on this CD are all outstanding. They include new comers like the absolutely amazing Vinay Kantak on Indian vocals known as Konnakol, tablas, and ghatam. The technically brilliant Steve Michaud (" Vinnie Colaiuta Jr.") on drums. He nailed "Panic Attack" in ONE TAKE! He shares the drumming duties with the incredibly grooving Charles Haynes now playing with Kenny Garrett's group. Boston/New York City guitarist Tim Miller, another name to watch out for, plays his butt off on the Holdsworthian "Mr. Crum."
The CD was recorded over 18 months, produced by Steve Hunt, co- produced by Lucas Pickford, and mastered by and at Hunt's home studio called The Kitchen outside of Boston.
Here are what the critics, the fans, and the jazz/fusion elite have to say about "Blown Fuse":
"Red-hot fusion explorations that draw strongly from the genre's past peaks. Lucas Pickford is an up-and-coming bass wizard who has found his own voice amid the saturating influences of Jaco, Stanley Clarke, Jonas Hellborg and Jeff Berlin. Pickford is indebted to all the above but derivative of none. Here he partners with keyboardist Steve Hunt, who has worked prominently with Billy Cobham, Allan Holdsworth and other major fusion players. The results, recorded at Hunt's home studio, provide an impressive overview of where fusion came from and where it's headed. Blown Fuse is what fusion is really all about, what keeps its older fans satisfied and its younger fans hopeful for the future. Steve Hunt remains a treasure, and Lucas Pickford is definitely a man to watch. Simply outstanding."
-Todd S. Jenkins, All About Jazz.com
"The interplay among Pickford and Hunt is quite simply amazing. The arrangements are really art in themselves. Pickford's many fluid solo explorations are extraordinary, and his highly advanced soloing prowess is something to be revered. Steve Hunt's keyboard sounds are masterfully textured and incredibly lush sounding. If this is the future of fusion, then the fusion genre is in good hands"
-C.Engel Bassicaly.net
"Lucas, thank you for Blown Fuse! There's some great bass
playing! Congratulations. It was a real pleasure to hear you play."
-John McLaughlin (Guitarist w/Miles Davis)
"Beautifully complex yet soulful music from one of best bass players around."
-Matthew Garrison (Bassist w/Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock)
"You sound really good Lucas! And I love Steve Hunt! He introduced me to Stanley Clarke. Let's get together and play when you're out here."
- Kai Eckhardt (Bassist w/ John McLaughlin, Garaj Mahal, Vital Information, Billy Cobham, Zakir Hussain)
"I've enjoyed your playing for quite some time now. Blown Fuse is a killer!"
-Pat Martino (Guitar Legend)
"Sounds good Lucas! Yeah, sounds like old Herbie! Nice!
Thanks! MM."
-Marcus Miller (Bass legend, played with Miles Davis, David Sandborn, Luther Vandross, Eric Clapton and many more..)
"Great bass throughout - low, powerful and strong. Steve sounds amazing too - great textures and sounds. Great mix also. I'm enjoying the album very much. Congratulations to all the musicians. Highly recommended. Don't ignore it. Buy it!"
-Gary Husband (Drummer w/Allan Holdsworth & Level 42)
"I got the CD...sounds killer. You're a bad man Lucas!"
-Jon Herrera (Bass Player Magazine)
"This CD (Blown Fuse) has some nice old school fusion writing and the players are no joke! Lucas can play!
-David Dyson (Bassist with Meshell N Ndegeocello, Pieces of a Dream)
"You are very well known here in the UK and I've known about you for a long time Lucas. You're an incredible musician and bass player and an absolute fountain of musical knowledge. I hope we get a chance to meet and play together sometime soon!"
- Laurence Cottle (Top UK Bassist w/ Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck)
reviews
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BASS VIRTUOSO!
author: MaxVery smooth and lush interpretation of everlasting-classic-and-a-must-have- hit "MYSTERIOUS PASSAGE"! Sound like the proceeding Great WEATHER REPORT on a way! I love & interested in the music like that! ~Max (from KZ).
This is the real sh*t
author: Niels ZuurendonkReally an amazing cd...there is so much to enjoy on this album..love the bass playing in combination with the keys of steve hunt..
wauw
author: paul vijverReally the soul of the masters of the music I love. When you play like this you are a master yourself. Thanks!! I love this cd!! (and shall recommend it here in the netherlands :-) )
Must have CD
author: Nicholas StubbsLucus, I can't really add anything new to all the previous reviews foe Blown Fuse. What I will say is "keep on keepin on" because the world needs more music like this.
Lucas Pickford has done a great job with his CD "Blown Fuse"
author: Fernando MartinI am a drummer and a fan of fusion music. I am always looking for new fusion artists. Being a fan of Allan Holdsworth, I found this album in which Steve Hunt was involved (Steve has played with Allan a lot) and I loved it. I was looking for an album with Steve Michaud on drums because when I heard David Hines album Nebula (also featuring Allan Holdsworth), Steve impressed me a lot. This a great CD!
incredible album
author: Frederic GervaisI recieved the Album about 2 months ago and actually have not put it down since. The bass work is phenominal as well as the other artist. It is a great mix of tracks and its difficult to find favourites as they are all interessting in their own right. Allthough i really dig those funky lines with a little wink to jaco's "come on come over". It's time that the world discovers this bassplayer he's right up there. Thanks Lucas for the inspiration and lessons on the website they got me to pratice more.
Here's what I like about this CD...... Everything!
author: Richard IsgriggGreat arrangements with interesting harmony and chord changes. Exciting solos, not just gymnastics. The musicians listen and play off each other beautifully!
A genuine monster!
author: DigLucas is at the top of his game, a genuine monster! Its required listening!
Seminal work that inspires and appeals to fusion purists.
author: Jeff MyersSeminal work that inspires and appeals the fusion purist. CD takes a cue from Weather Report and Return to Forever and reinterprets their sonic majesty with new vigor.
The return of (good) fusion
author: jazzasaurusTwo extremely talented guys create a CD that doesn't just showcase their talents, but is also quite beautiful and likely to have considerable staying power. The return of good fusion.
Smokin' fusion grooves with awesome chops!
author: Andre' ForguesThis disc is great! It's like a trip through all the best fusion of the last 30 years, but with no imitation. Great grooves and awesome chops. Thanks very much for great music.
- author: roger thresher
Lucas. Blown Fuse is one of the most refreshing and profoundly inspiring C.D's I've heard in a long long time. Truly innovative. I watched Steve Hunt playing with Allan Holdsworth and Co back in Australia in the early 90's (God Bless you too Mr Husband). What a team you guys make...and Steve Michaud!!!! Wow. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Amazing!
author: Andy VermiglioThis disc is a pure joy to listen to! Love the emotion and the artistry...
Great!--invokes images of my all time favorite musicians!
author: Robert AllenThis is great CD. It's amazing how Lucas was able to capture the spirit of Herbie/headhunters ("smatter"), Weather report/jaco ('mysterious passage"), Holdsworth ("Mr.Crum), and McGlaughlin ("the wish"), all in one CD!!--and keep his own playing unique without falling into the obvious cliches each of those styles implies. Great work guys! Robert Allen
- author: Dan Griffin
Just as you can recognize Motzart, Vivaldi, Metheny, Holdsworth, et al, through their uniqueness, this CD is the essence on genius in that it sounds like NOTHING else I have EVER heard! I have not heard anything this original since Heavy Weather. Everybody I play this for freaks out. WTG Lucas!!
Smokin album!! Good to see someone is keepin it alive out there!!
author: John SamoskevichI usually dont buy my of anything these days it seems like the music scene lost its touch..UNTIL I heard lucas with steve Hunt...amazing,I was at the same show watchin steve with lucas in NY..couldnt pass this one up.I am a HUGE holdsworth fan so when I heard these two guys together something I bought instantly..wow,we could use a couple of them yankees down here in GA!!! great CD!!!
Amazing CD
author: Brent StantonThis is definitely some of the finest jazz/fusion to come out in a long time. The writing is great and everyone's playing is top notch. Lucas's bass playing is amazing. I really dig the percussion too. Highly recommended.
Great writing, playing and arranging
author: Ben HarrisonThis CD pays tribute to some amazing music by capturing the vibe of Weather Report, Headhunters/Thrust era Hancock, and John McLaughlin's work, but still allows the personalities of the players to shine through. Everyone's playing on this CD is stellar and the writing is very inspiring. This is not a "bass CD". It is a display of incredible music. So....when does Blown Fuse II come out?
World class music here folks
author: David BrooksThis is an excellent, world-class CD. Every song is great. It's impossible to not appreciate the musicianship of Pickford and the rest of the band. This is some of the finest bass playing you'll ever hear. Buy this CD, and hope that they release another one some day!
It´s really awesome!
author: Rasler OliveiraI´ve never heard about him before buying this cd; now I have to buy all those cd´s from him. This guy plays so well!
Read all Labels FIRST !!!! Un-fasten your seatbelt....
author: SkandarVery strong, can blow your spiritual fuse....Or can assist in making art, mine being stone sculptures deep in the Eastern Sierras. Anew tide of riffs, so clean and edgy, simular sounds waves that I swam around in as a "Youth". Stanley, Jaco, wow, same water, new waves, fresh tide, a great share...A wonderful gift to listen to offen, take as directed...Turn it up !!!!
Just super!
author: DonnaI love this CD! Each musican on this CD takes it to the limit, and then some, creating a very enjoyable sound experience. The tunes are fresh and Lucas' bass playing is a treat to the ears. I can't wait to hear more from Lucas in the future.
Great, commited, vital and fresh playing by everyone concerned. Great to hear.
author: Gary HusbandHere's Lucas and my old friend and colleague Steve Hunt (from the Allan Holdsworth days) kicking down. Beautiful production, fine writing and commited music played just the way I like it. I'm enjoying the album immensely and I congratulate all concerned in the making of it. Check out Steve Michaud on the intro to Crookes - beautiful and electric highly spirited drums. A new name to me and certainly one to look out for in the future to me. Great bass throughout - low, powerful and strong. Steve sounds amazing too - great textures and sounds. Great mix also. I'm enjoying the album very much. Congratulations to all the musicians. Highly recommended. Don't ignore it. Buy it!
- author: Steve W.
I enjoy listening to this cd. It is very calming and creative. I bought many cd's from cdbaby and this is one of my favorites. The old guy on the last track is an interesting addition, backed by one of the funkiest bass lines I have ever heard. Great compositions!!!!
Just Amazing
author: Jon PomplinAt times it reminds me of the best fusion of yesterday (Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra) with a totally new vibe to it. Images of Jaco, Stanley Clark, and Jeff Berlin start to dance around in the mind’s eye. At other times is so refreshingly unique it caused the proverbial "jaw drop". Upon each listening, there are new and exciting textures to be found. I highly recommend this CD for any music fan, be they bassist or not. If you don't have it yet, GET IT!! Trust me on this, you will LOVE it. In a word, INCREDIBLE.
Jazz-Rock Fusion Rennaisance and Beyond
author: Michael ConatoreFinding this CD was like reconnecting with an old friend for me - someone I knew so well and loved so much 25 years ago, someone I never meant to lose touch with. So we meet again, but with much more life and experience to relate to each other with, and new ideas to explore. I have missed great, uninhibited jazz-rock fusion! Lucas, Steve and group are making great, new music, building on the wonderful history and adding new. One of the great things about Lucas' music is that it is absolutely top-drawer artistically, soulfully and technically. I have listened to fusion that felt like it was simply a show-off session, and self-indulgent. Such is definitely not the case with Lucas' Blown Fuse. To me, this music is very soulfully artistic, tasteful and coincidently, all of the players do have killer chops! Keep it coming guys! You have my attention!
Young, but mature artists. Wow!
author: Laszlo SzaniszloAn excellent CD by some superb musicians. In the tradition of Weather Report, Tribal Tech, and even Oregon and Material, - yet fresh and unique with its own voice and sound. These artists have chops and technique to spare, yet taste, touch and vibe are the words that comes to mind after the first two-three listens. Nice to see that there is still hope for fusion, thanks to people like Lucas & Steve. Their respect and understanding of the masters from the golden age of Fusion & Jazz Rock is obvious. After listening to "Blown Fuse" it is also apparent that (although) they learned from the past, they definitely living in the present and create new and exciting music that is truely their own. Thank you, and keep up the good job! P.S.: To CD Baby" This is my second attempt at posting a review for Pickford's "Blown Fuse". I hope it will show-up this time. Thanks!
A Solid Citizen!!! Just Burning Lucas!!!
author: Neff IrizarryLiquidy and groovy lines coupled with the right vibe, What a 'Blown Fuse'!! Superb multifaceted compositions with great moments from all the players. Look out for Lucas!!!
Beautifully complex yet soulful music from one of best bass palyers around.
author: Matthew GarrisonWith this recording Lucas Pickford has seemlessly managed to showcase his phenomenal technique and rich compositional and improvisational prowess. The recording is also a statement of deep introspective research and soulful interplay. Fantastic music from start to finish! More please Lucas!!! Matt
evolution of pre-tap fusion
author: mark cSpinal tap, that is..This CD joins my very select shelf of monster fusion CDs unencumbered by guitarists with amps that go to 11..kudos to Tim Miller for his mature,(Mike) Stern-like restraint. Thanks to LP for the courage to seek out the sweet spot between smooth & shred. My only minor nit-picky criticism is the nearly ubiquitous fade to end which tilts too much toward the smooth for me-these guys have way too much talent to not be hitting these endings hard. I was also a little surprised not to find credits for the narrator of "Hot Shot", a true master of the form who would have been honored to hear the fruits of these labors!
Helping to keep true jazz-rock fusion alive and vital...
author: Jeff GutenbergI'm sorry I didn't buy this disc sooner! It's a great disc. I've seen Steve Hunt live with Allan Holdsworth and really enjoyed his playing in that setting, but I didn't realize the true extent of his talent until I heard him on the Mahavishnu Project's live CD, which was a major revelation, as he played the Jan Hammer role to perfection and then made those parts his own - which is no mean feat. I hadn't heard Lucas Pickford's bass playing before, but I'm quite impressed with it. He and Mr Hunt sound like the second coming of Jaco Pastorius and Josef Zawinul on some of the tracks on "Blown Fuse," and since I've only recently gotten deeply into Weather Report, that's really saying something. Tim Miller's guitar work and especially Steve Michaud's drumming are also first-rate. Overall, this is one of the best fusion discs I've gotten in recent months. I truly hope that Lucas and Steve have another disc in the works, as I will definitely purchase it once it becomes available. Perhaps they'll even get Mr Holdsworth to play a solo or two on the next one...?
Killer fusion Cd with a nice helping of world jazz influence.
author: Mark YatesGreat tunes,stellar playing particularly from Lucas Pickford and Steve Michaud,one of the best new drummers around ,surely!!This is a disc which is rooted in the great tradition of 70's jazz fusion.However Lucas and Steve present the music in a modern up to date fashion,with slick arrangements and some outstanding blowing.Love the Indian influences too.A very refreshing interpretation of classic fusion,played by amazing musicians.Thoroughly enjoyable,highly recommended.
Excellent Fusion Bass !
author: WillGreat CD!!!
Lucas puts me in mind of why I loved fusion in the first place!
author: Wayne DentFirst listening: nice tribute to a music and artists I personally love. Second listening: oh yeah, sounds like Jaco, and wow, nice tip of the hat to Chick Corea. Third listening: hey, nice song, great players at the top of their game. Fourth listening: I cried (bawling like a baby) on the fourth track. Today, I can still listen to Jaco's first solo CD and appreciate it in today's terms because it is timeless. The same is true of all the greats of that era.If this CD had come out in the seventies, I would still be listening to it today, such is the quality and sincerity. Every song a gem, this CD gets better and better with each listening. Lucas, you HAVE found your own voice.
A must listen for all bass players.
author: David LadaAlthough Lucas has incredible chops he is always tasteful and melodic whether he is grooving or soloing. Lucas and Steve have taken the fusion of the 70s (Mahavishnu, Weather Report, Return to Forever) and added their own voice which is a cleaner and much more melodic sound.
Pretty good stuff!
author: Stephen HartI like it. Not the boring run of the mill fusion that has grow so tedious to listen to these days. I feel like the musicianship is outstanding. The keys on this CD are really cool. I am so sick of the typical jangly rhodes sound that has proliferated jazz/fusion in recent years. The bass performance is enjoyable without being overwhelming. I am a friend of Steve Michaud since 1st grade. His playing is so good it makes you tingle. One thing that I didn't dig too much was the production on the snare. I know it's nit-picky. Sorry. But it doesn't have that 'crack' that I feel it needs to fit with the frenetic performance he delivers. But, I am a guitar player...what the hell do I know! Overall, I dig this cd and it is in regular rotation in my CD changer in my car. Thanks Lucas. I look forward to hearing some more good stuff from you! Hart!
Great
author: Stan MulderThe CD kicks ass. Nice job. Stan Mulder The Steve Gadd Website http://www.intrepidsoftware.com/sgadd/
I should have bought ten copies
author: Stephen Connearney, Altered Mindz Productions.I can't stop listening to the CD. At first I was hitting the PLAY button after the CD finished so I could hear it again. Now I just have it on a continuous loop. It's a combination of every type of music I like. I am looking forward to the next one.