by ANDREW PATTON on OCTOBER 22, 2019
Earlier this month, Columbus’ own “Eclectic Groove Oriented – Funky Jazz Trio” fo/mo/deep released its fourth album Syzygy – its first as a trio. Their current lineup of bandleader Ron Holmes (Electric & Upright Basses), Andre Scott (Drums) and Robert Mason (Piano, Organ, Keyboards) has crafted another collection of nuanced groove, and continues to entertain live audiences with their growing catalog of organic, earthy sounds. fo/mo/deep performs next at the “Smokin’ Notes” series at Pipes & Pleasures on October 29th at 7pm, followed by their return to Natalie’s on Friday, November 29th at 9:30pm – tickets going fast here. Keep reading for my thoughts on this exciting release from one of the area’s most electrifying bands.
Recorded and mixed by Joey Gurwin of Oranjudio Studios in July 2019, Syzygy showcases a vital unit at the top of its powers. Mason kicks the album off on piano for a sizzling lead, and beautiful outro, on the Curtis Mayfield classic “Move On Up,” and the rhythm section immediately positions themselves as the rock solid foundation of the album’s groove. Original tune “Bourbon Neat” rides Holmes’ bubbling bassline for a funky multiple-keyboard getdown, with Mason contributing his own soulful lines before some dynamite fills from Scott. The trio showcases their skill on encompassing a variety of material in their “eclectic groove” with a swaggering take on Vanessa Carlton’s pop hit “A Thousand Miles,” and Holmes’ bedrock bassline coupled with Scott’s drum prowess powers Mason’s emphatic leads and solo. Mason’s relaxed “Paradise” builds into a thunderous piano showcase with the ever-reliable support of Holmes and Scott. “Maple Street” by John Funkhouser and Adam Saylor starts with, and returns to, a mesmerizing keyboard workout by Mason, employs an extremely catchy chorus, and offers a solo exploration of the bass’ upper reaches by Holmes.
As the album approaches its second half, the band once again takes a look at some of its favorite material. Their take on Michael Jackson ballad “The Lady In My Life” begins life as a languorous and sensuous groover, with the rhythm section establishing a sturdy foundation, and deliberately ascends to high drama aided by Mason’s finesse on the keys. Next are two new looks at John Coltrane standards that the band recorded previously. “Giant Steps” has almost an aquatic feel from Mason’s bubbling keyboards, and the trio is locked in tight. “Naima” stretches out with a stately classic jazz feel, featuring exquisite solo touches from the ensemble before a thrilling climax and a sultry conclusion. Holmes’ “Ellsworth Ave” is an irresistible jam, as heavy bass, unstoppable snares, and melody and atmosphere from multiple keyboards combine for an instrumental tour de force. The trio once again wears its eclectic tastes on its sleeve with a take on 80’s Tears for Fears hit “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” Holmes’ yearning bass line sets the right tone, and the band mixes memorable melody with its own undeniable groove for an impressive spin through unexpected material. Album finale “The Lover” sees the band tackling fellow funky jazz trio Medeski, Martin & Wood, and the hazy organ journey expertly reveals the ample power of both outfits.
Syzygy is a lovingly rendered collection recommended for all jazz fans, as their eclectic groove continues to hit a wide variety of spots on the mark. Visit the band’s website for more info, or buy or stream online at CD Baby, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify, or Pandora. Check out “The Lover” via video:
fo/mo/deep — Syzygy
Sept. 13, 2019
I have been following this eclectic groove machine known as fo/mo/deep since 2010, and I have to say that, with each of its colorful releases (including the current Syzygy — interesting title), the band has given me plenty of reason to continue following it.
Operating as a trio these days (Ron “FatKat” Holmes on all basses, Andre Scott on drums and percussion, and Robert Mason on piano/keys) and continuing in the vein of eclecticism (as one of its albums is titled, by the way), the group gives nods to the funk/soul groove while still holding up high the contributions of the masters of the traditional jazz persuasion.
The sound and feel here is rich, full, and speaks clearly of quality musicianship and music that was well-produced, well-selected (in the case of covers), and well-thought-out (in the case of originals).
Tracks of particular note to me are an impressive cover of the late great Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up,” a snappy, keys-tight “Bourbon Neat,” a funky piano-chatty cover of Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” a lazy-smooth and soulful little number called simply “Paradise” that (guess what?) displays more top-tier piano work — in fact, all of these goodies highlight Mason’s marvelous piano/keys work (a huge nod to the unselfishness of bandleader Holmes who clearly knows what he has in Mason — certainly not to take a single thing from the bassist himself or his in-the-pocket drummer).
There are also superb covers of a couple of Coltrane gems “Giant Steps” and “Naima”) , as well as a very interesting take on the Rod Temperton-penned “The Lady In My Life” (recorded by Michael Jackson and, later, by Lou Rawls) and a brilliant version of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Much more here to enjoy as well.
Eclecticism personified, this highly perceptive trio of quality musicians deserves a serious listen. Two thumbs up– Ronald Jackson of The Smooth Jazz Ride - https://thesmoothjazzride.com/smooth_jazz_cd_reviews/
sonic soul reviews
in between soul and jazz
http://www.sonicsoulreviews.com/2020/01/07/fomodeep-syzygy-rh-media/
2019 – das Nach-Hören, Teil 2. Fo/Mo/Deep aus Ohio. Trio-Formation – Piano, Bass, Schlagzeug. Das klassische Jazz-Format eben. Robert Mason ergänzt sein Tasten-Instrumentarium um die üblichen Verdächtigen aus der E-Abteilung – und nimmt eine volltönende Orgel gleich mit dazu. Ab den Takt gibt uns natürlich die Rhythmus-Abteilung bestehend aus Band-Leader Ron “FatKat” Holmes am Bass und Schlagzeuger Andre Scott.Und die macht aus Fo/Me/Deep eine überaus unterhaltsam-spannende Jazz-Funk-Groove Combo, deren Sound-Konzept locker und leicht durch das 11-teilige Song-Sortiment von „Syzygy“ (übrigens ein Begriff aus dem Computerschach…) trägt. Gut bekannte Jazz-und Soul-Standards (Coltranes „Naima“ oder auch Mayfields „Move On Up“ oder eben auch Pop-Hits wie „Everybody Wants…“ aus dem Tears For Fears Hits-Arsenal) und eigene Songs auf Ton-Höhe – ordentlich Schwung im Beat und feine Soli obendrauf. Nutzt sich nicht ab – perfekt zum „Immer-Wieder-Hören“.
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2019 - Listening, Part 2. Fo / Mo / Deep from Ohio. Trio formation - piano, bass, drums. The classic jazz format. Robert Mason supplements his keyboard instruments with the usual suspects from the e-department - and adds a sonorous organ. From the bar, of course, the rhythm section consisting of band leader Ron “FatKat” Holmes on bass and drummer Andre Scott gives us. And that turns Fo / Me / Deep into a very entertaining and exciting jazz-funk-groove combo and its sound -Concept relaxed and light thanks to the 11-part range of songs from “Syzygy” (a computer chess term, by the way ...). Well-known jazz and soul standards (Coltrane's "Naima" or Mayfield's "Move On Up" or even pop hits like "Everybody Wants ..." from the Tears For Fears hits arsenal) and own songs at pitch - neat swing in the beat and fine solos on top. Doesn't wear out - perfect for “listening again and again”.