he Richard Hallebeek Project is the self titled debut CD featuring advanced instrumental jazz/rock fusion by Dutch guitar monster Richard Hallebeek, along with Lale Larson (keys), Udo Pannekeet (bass) and Bas Cornelissen (drums), and special guest appearances from Brett Garsed and the late great Shawn Lane (guitar) on four tracks. As Hallebeek himself wrote in January of 2004, "After being a sideman for many years, I finally felt the time was right to step out on my own. I've enjoyed playing in different formats in the past, but have always had a very clear picture about how I wanted things to be. Meeting Cornelissen and Larson was a big turning point - we seemed to hit it off right away. They made unique contributions to the songs and to the project as a whole. At the same time, Liquid Note Records gave us the green light to write and play the kind of music we loved, but rarely hear nowadays. Of course, we didn't stop there - the guest performances by Shawn and Brett added to the excitement we felt when we first got to play together with this group."
So I am guessing by now you have concluded that this release is in the progressive jazz fusion vein... and along with the recent OHM cd it would appear that this is a genre that is starting to make somewhat of a comeback. However, the more adventurous rock fan will get a lot from this so don't be afraid to sample some of this genre.
This self titled cd from Richard Hallebeek will hopefully put him at the forefront of the new rising as its of a very high caliber throughout. Fans of newer acts like the aforementioned OHM and fusion legends such as Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale and to an extent Greg Howe will find a lot to devour here. Mixed in with the traditional guitar led jazz fusion sound there is a definte Frank Zappa vibe to my ears. The quirky arrangements highlight this and again this is to be considered a strength.
The production is crystal clear and avoids sounding sterile as too many releases in this genre do. The addition of Shawn Lane (what was his last musical adventure) and Brett Garsed are sure to bring in a few fans that otherwise may not get to know of RHP, and they too will be satisfied with their artists contributions. There is a definite live vibe throughout yet each track posesses structure and avoid aimless meandering.
Highlights on jazz fusion albums are often hard to pick as its generally more "a sum of the parts", as opposed to "single entities". Yet Canoga Park stands out thanks to its mesmerising atmospheric depth and some sublime solos from Richard Hallebeek and Shawn Lane. Good Food has a nice almost 70's pomp prog vibe to it that again makes it worthy of its own mention.
Overall RHP is a very solid slice of jazz rock and I get the feeling this band will be killer in the live setting. Fans of jazz rock/fusion make sure you check this out!
he Richard Hallebeek Project is the self titled debut CD featuring advanced instrumental jazz/rock fusion by Dutch guitar monster Richard Hallebeek, along with Lale Larson (keys), Udo Pannekeet (bass) and Bas Cornelissen (drums), and special guest appearances from Brett Garsed and the late great Shawn Lane (guitar) on four tracks. As Hallebeek himself wrote in January of 2004, "After being a sideman for many years, I finally felt the time was right to step out on my own. I've enjoyed playing in different formats in the past, but have always had a very clear picture about how I wanted things to be. Meeting Cornelissen and Larson was a big turning point - we seemed to hit it off right away. They made unique contributions to the songs and to the project as a whole. At the same time, Liquid Note Records gave us the green light to write and play the kind of music we loved, but rarely hear nowadays. Of course, we didn't stop there - the guest performances by Shawn and Brett added to the excitement we felt when we first got to play together with this group." 