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"Like "Whatever", "Momentum" features Jennifer Batten's singular, intimate, subtle, ethereal and ever-balancing playing, which shows a certain talent for experimentation."
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4/5
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For most people, Jennifer Batten is first and foremost the guitarist who accompanied Michael Jackson on tour for 10 years. But she's also an accomplished musician who has released three studio albums, including this one, "Momentum".
Logically, Jennifer Batten once again offers us a guitar-oriented instrumental opus, as she did in 1982 with the highly acclaimed "Above, Below & Beyond" and in 2008 with her latest production. The first notes reveal the artist's playing style, her distinctive expressiveness and atypical, oriental, often dissonant musical colors, as well as her eclectic sense of composition and structuring.
Although the album predates "Whatever" by eleven years, there are many common features, the same quirks, the same musical intonations and the same spirit... The differences lie in the rhythm section, the sound, which is more organic, warmer and rounder, and the groove.
'Wodaabe Dancer' kicks off the album with a tribal rhythm punctuated by guitar effects, before moving into a very rounded bass groove, relayed by phrasing reminiscent of Steve Vai's "Flex-Able" period. One rhythmic figure follows another, and Jennifer Batten strings together a series of expressive notes nuanced by perfectly mastered vibrato. The set-up is very clean, and the convoluted structures are reminiscent of Zappa or Greg Howe. Right in the middle of the track, you're treated to a guitar slap break, giving way to airy, crystalline chords.
In 'Zulu Wedding', dissonant themes are again in the spotlight, over a rhythmic pattern of suspended chords. Jennifer Batten's playing is really characterized by her work with sound (with a whammy, autowha, talk box...) and her way of dosing and modulating for each note, the attack, duration, intensity and the way the note should die. This track also features a Japanese oriental passage.
'Scottsman in the Caribean' extends the musical journey into experimental territory, with keyboard notes reminiscent of Jason Becker's "Perspectives" period. An interesting and highly effective track, featuring another highly original reggae passage.
The rest of the album is on a par with the previous tracks. 'The Swarm" is dissonant and jazzy, while "Glow" explores the mix of reggae rhythm and funky bass. And if you can't get enough, the groove of 'Unplug This' will dry you off completely.
Like "Whatever", "Momentum" is a singular, intimate, subtle, airy and always balanced performance by Jennifer Batten, who shows a certain know-how for experimentation. The tracks as a whole form a beautiful unity, and the contribution of the drums and bass add a real plus to the whole. "Momentum" is a singular Guitar Heroe album that deserves a careful listen. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Wodaabe Dancer - 8:30
02. Elephant Stomp - 7:10
03. Zulu Wedding - 9:29
04. Scottsman In The Caribean - 8:57
05. The Swarm - 9:19
06. Glow - 8:45
07. Unplug This - 9:33
LINEUP:
Ann Marie Crouch: samples vocaux (2008)
Bret and Kari Helm: samples vocaux (2008)
Debbie Schepp: samples vocaux (2008)
Leah Santos: samples vocaux (2008)
Nel Gerome: samples vocaux (2008)
Sean Dailey: samples vocaux (2008)
Andre Berry (2008): Basse
Betsy Hamilton (2008): flûte
Glen Sobel (1997): Batterie
Greg Philingaines : Claviers
Jennifer Batten: Guitares / Claviers / Batterie
Jon Clark: samples vocaux (2008)
Michael Jordan (2008) : batterie sur "Inner Journey"
Michael Sembello : Arrangements-Vocoder
Michele Rohl (4): Chant
Nelly Kovalev (2008): violon
Ricky Wolking (1997): Basse
Sandin Wilson (2008): Basse
Skip Vonkuske (2008): Violoncelle
Stephen Klong : Batterie
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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(0) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
3/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT JENNIFER BATTEN
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