Top flight East Coast/and now West Coast electric bassist Lucas Pickford, known simply as "Pick" to his fans and friends, is a veteran of gigs with Tiger Okoshi and Tiger's Baku, Mike Clark and the Headhunters and has performed with such outstanding musicians such as pianists Arron Goldberg and Scott Kinsey, drummers Antonio Sanchez, Brian Blade, Bob Moses, and Alex Acuna, along with many, more. On this debut outing for Pickford he teamed up with keyboardist extraordinaire Steve Hunt, a veteran of groups led by jazz fusion giants Allan Holdsworth, Billy Cobham, and Stanley Clarke among others and the result for one of the best jazz/fusion CD's to come along in years. In fact since it's original release in 2002, "Blown Fuse" has become a "post-fusion" classic of sorts both among listeners and musicians alike. It has generated rave reviews from giants like John McLaughlin, Marcus Miller, and Matthew Garrison.
Lucas Pickford may not yet be a household name but he is by no means unknown, especially among the cognoscenti in the jazz fusion genre and to musicians worldwide on the Internet who are familiar with his prolific transcription work which he posts for free on his web site. He is without doubt one of the best players on the contemporary instrumental jazz/funk 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 can be heard filtered through his own unique voice and mature style. For example whenever Pick decides to put down a groove way down LOW in that sub -sonic, subterranean range of the bass, the distinctive influence of the great Anthony Jackson can easily be heard.
And like a great boxer who switches from a punishing jab to a liver-busting left hook, just to keep his opponent guessing, Pick will also change his weapon of choice from his Fodera or Ken Smith 6 string basses, to his superbly funky 4 string '77 Fender Jazz Bass when the music calls for it. Pickford has a formidable thumb and although he only features it occasionally, his tone and choice of notes recall the original "Thumb Slinger" himself, Marcus Miller. Lucas is also a gifted improviser both harmonically and melodically. He is a deft soloist with technique to spare. His fleet fingered, lightening fast solos let you know that, among others, Jaco Pastorius' influence runs very, very, deep indeed.
Pickford contributed the bulk of the CD's 10 songs, but several of Steve Hunt's compositions are also featured. There is only one cover song on this recording. It's Pickford's arrangement of 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 on this CD and the playing are fresh, alive, and multi layered. The kind of CD and music that warrants repeated listening.
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 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."
Blown Fuse was recorded over 18 months at Hunt's home studio called The Kitchen outside of Boston. Both Steve and Lucas are perfectionists, so it came as no surprise that ala Steely Dan, different players were tried on different tracks. And there were takes, followed by more takes, and usually followed by yet more takes! The end result however speaks for itself. It was Executive Produced by Steve Hunt, who in addition to being a masterful keyboardist, is also a gifted engineer. His multi layered synth scapes combined with his Hancock meets Zawinul Fender Rhodes sound, are just incredible. And although it was Hunt at the wheel of the mixing board, Pickford's Co- Production work was pivotal. Ultimately, it is the combination of these two great musicians and their wide array of outstanding sidemen, each one used in just the right place, in just the right way, that make Blown Fuse what it is. A modern day jazz fusion classic.
Here are what the critics, the fans, and the jazz fusion elite have had to say about "Blown Fuse" so far:
"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
WINNER - "Smatter" Best Funk Single of the Year LA Music Awards 2006.
"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, Shakti, Mahavishnu Orchestra)
"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 (Jazz 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 (Editor in Chief Bass Player Magazine)
"Nice old school fusion writing and the players are no joke! Lucas can play!"
-David Dyson (Bassist with Meshell 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)
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