Chicago-based jazz-rock fusion band- Marbin's The Third Set live album simply rocks! Israeli guitarist Dani Rabin and saxophonist Danny Markovitch lead the way with a power quartet, added by fellow Marbin members: Justyn Lawrence (drums), and Jae Gentile (bass). Recorded between gigs during the early spring of 2014, during a tour of Midwest venues; the band sounds seasoned and embraces the melody as well as some very cool shredding.
If you like aggressive, rocking jazz, featuring great musicianship, and clever interplay between guitar and saxophone, then step right up and purchase this recording. Live is where the band thrives, allowing Rabin to produce Beck-like solos, and leads with extreme confidence and impact.
Because many of the tracks have a similar way of featuring Rabin and Markovitch... highlight songs are Vanthrax with great sax leads and a smokin' guitar solo. At the end of the track, you can hear someone in the audience yell `hell ya.' My thoughts exactly! You can tell these guys are not only on their game but enjoying what they do- play blistering fusion, while not forgetting to add some killer melody and classic jazz groves like another notable track- Rabak.
Another outstanding song is- Culture, feature beautiful sax at the beginning, and then expands into some simply wonderful music that I simply did not want it to end. Wish these guys would try to play around with longer song formats and see where they go. Production varies a bit between tracks and venues, but hey it's a live album, and for the most-part, it sounds great!
These are very talented musicians that that any jazz/rock fan would love, making this a must buy. And folks, this album has not fillers, just a smokin' set, or should I say- third set.
Though, the album art seems to have no tie-in (to my eye), to the CD, and a weird choice for a live recording.... it IS quite good. Finally, some quality artwork on a prog release. Painting is very well rendered with nice composition and color-work, though the earth tones do not reflect the power and color of the gig.
Still, well-done as standalone art.
Again, a must-buy.
