By: M.J. Brady
ill Connors found some noteriety as the man that preceeded Al DiMeola in the '70s fusion super-group Return to Forever. This is not to say he was an inferior guitarist, as Bill Connors can certainly hld his own as both a guitarist and composer. He released a few trio based album in the '80s, this being one of them, and all are great examples of his prodigious talents. There is no doubt when listening to him play that you will be comparing him to Allan Holdsworth, as his tone and use of scale modes is very similar, but not to the point of cloning. You may also hear some fiery rock leanings that will conjure thoughts of Tribal Tech's Scott Henderson, yes, these are lofty comparisons, but certainly well deserved when you are reminded that Connors is no new kid on the scene. He is joined by the gifted bassist Tom Kennedy, who was a fixture in the line-ups of most of BC's albums during this era. Tom is a very fluid, smooth, and technically clean bassist, that has a thourough grasp on the difficult jazz tinged elements of Connors writing, and plays with a style that is very complimentary of his guitarist counterpart. On drums is the capable Kim Plainfield, though not the most well known drummer, he shows he is in good company, by playing the challenging meters of difficult jazz/fusion, with confidence and control, he is rock solid when he holds the groove, and can improvise masterfully when the music takes off into that realm. As a trio, this music of course is a stage for Connors to show his skills, all while allowing his band to flourish around the center of his writing, making this a must have for great guitar based fusion afficianados.
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