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A good look at the photograph adorning the sleeve of this new offering from Nanaimo stalwarts the Glen Foster Group reveals clues as to the music the CD within holds. In what appears to be a musical laboratory, a gentleman in bright yellow safety clothing and hardhat is lowering various brass instruments into a ‘radioactive’ hopper, the resultant alchemy producing a gleaming gold bar from the outlet beneath. Supervising the process, Foster, wearing a lanyard and holding a clipboard, is holding one of these bars, as if checking it for quality or purity.
Simply put, the image is a metaphor for Foster’s new sonic direction on the excellent Music Alchemy. Interestingly, he has deemed it ‘an experiment,’ but I see it as such a successful one he should continue in this vein if resources allow! Powered along by a 7-piece brass section, this release is an all-star affair on which Foster has thrown absolutely everything into the pot for a most rewarding listen. Taking cues from classic Stax, Atlantic, the musical heritage of New Orleans, a touch of funk and even a little country, Music Alchemy is by far Foster’s most fully realized project to date. Aside from his regular band the singer-songwriter-guitarist has recruited a veritable who’s who of respected local rock, blues and jazz veteran talent, amounting (including the brass section) to 21 guest contributors in all. At times reminiscent of such as Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes and their rock-soul ilk, Music Alchemy is most certainly all killer, no filler. Every song has been meticulously arranged and features one or more of the guest musicians, either soloing or making a telling rhythmic or melodic contribution, and it all adds up to a powerful collection. To this end there are some truly thrilling moments, such as the wonderful bridge in Blue Monkey; David Gogo’s searing solo on the fun Cactus Whiskey & Alligator Steak (the sleeve design also featuring an alligator, I might add); the honky-tonk vibe of Stepping Out on Saturday Night, and the all-hands-on-deck brilliance of the inventive instrumental closer, Groove Eleven. Lyrically, although there is a little introspection in the superior ballad Why in the World, Music Alchemy never gets too serious, a factor that greatly benefits the overall soul party mood. The aforementioned Cactus Whiskey… is a lighthearted look at survival in the bayou, and there is even a witty ode to the popular Italian liqueur, Sambuca. All in all everyone involved with this ambitious recording seems to be having a great time, and the consequence is quite simply a rock solid and natural sounding album that should see Foster’s stock rise even higher. Going back to that sleeve image and Foster’s apparent inspection of the product in his hands, it seems to me that the quality and purity of that gold bar in his hands are extremely high, perhaps even 24 karats!
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May 2020
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