On two separate occasions in Los Angeles I have had the pleasure of seeing fusion band OHM open up for the progressive jam of Umphrey’s McGee. Both feature talented musicians who expressed mutual respect and admiration, so it was no surprise to learn that guitarist Jake Cinninger, keyboardist Joel Cummins, and drummer Kris Myers from Umphrey’s teamed with guitarist Chris Poland and bassist Robertino Pagliari into OHMphrey. Cinninger said, “We wanted to make a good old fashioned fusion statement,” and they succeeded.
“Someone Said You Were Dead” is heavy, with its opening machinegun guitar riff followed by a drum/bass bombardment. The complex rhythm laid down by the Myers-Pags tandem challenge the guitarists. Cummins said, “…it really opened Chris and Jake up so that they could play some amazing stuff.” Someone, likely Poland, tears it up before the final chorus.
Cummins’ keyboards dominate “The Girl From Chi Town.” At first, he creates the sound of descending, likely a heart falling under the girl’s spell. Later, two lovebirds cooing. The entire arrangement has a warm, lush tone in contrast to the previous harshness, fostering an air of romance. This track would be perfect for the scene when the lovers have their first kiss at sunset, likely on a beach, as Myers cymbals create the crashing waves. You can get lost in each other as you get lost in the song.
The chorus on “Denny’s By The Jail” is a headbanger with its thumping, driving beat and a damn fine solo that soars above the rest. This one is likely to get you a speeding ticket if you blast it out of the car stereo. About halfway, there’s a respite and the keyboards play around. There’s a slow building repetition of earlier themes and the anticipation builds. The guitar screams out a one last hurrah of intensity before the band closes out the song.
Pag’s shuffling bassline on “Ice Cream” seems to take the lead as the rest of the instruments dart around him. The guitars deliver short riffs and then Pags resumes as the Pied Piper with a nice groove and everyone falls behind him. Not even three and a half minutes, but very effective.
Article comments