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One Spirit
“Go For It”
www.fransvollink.com

This second release of Dutch bassman Frans Vollink’s trio “One Spirit” is a fusion lovers delight! The compositions are challenging both harmonically and rhythmically (I’d love to see these charts!) and the playing is wonderful. I really enjoyed Frans’ bass tone.. Very warm and supportive but with a clarity and attack that is perfect for this style of playing. Very much a group sound, the only hint that this may be the bassists project is the presence of slightly more bass solos than you might otherwise hear, but with Frans, I don’t mind at all! He’s a wonderful player. There are also a few guest appearances by Randy Brecker, Steve Hunt, Lalle Larsson, Rob van Bavel, Martin Verdonk & Martin Gort. (if you don’t recognize some of those names, remember that this is a dutch release. There is a real treasure trove of phenomenal players over there that sadly never get mentioned or heard in the states. Google these guys!)

While fusion is inherently “Music for Musicians”, I found a broad appeal in this music. It flows beautifully and the playing is stellar while remaining easy to listen to. Great release!