Dwain

• Butcher Brown’s Camden Session is a funk and groove filled live recording that demonstrates the musical abilities and chemistry within the group. A modern approach to the jazz language with very evident influences from the jazz-fusion era of the 70’s with some newer musical influences demonstrated as well. The groove is super deep throughout and all members are in the pocket at all times.

• Marcus Tenney shows command and mastery of both the trumpet and the sax but his trumpet playing does stand out. DJ Harrison provides some really funky and rhythmic keyboard playing and utilizes different keyboard sounds from the Rhodes to the Clavinet as well as the use of a pedals (such as a wah) which is a more modern technique but allows him to emphasize those rhythms even more. Morgan Burr's sound is super soulful and he adds to the dynamic very well and stands out when it’s time for him to take a solo. His southern soul style is reminiscent of Larry Carlton from the Crusaders.

• Andrew Randazzo and Corey Foneville are locked in super tight at all times and the chemistry is top notch from these two. Corey really stands out the most to me on this album without ever needing to be fully featured. His style is jazz, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop and blended with his listening and communication makes him one of the best drummers on the scene today. I feel as though there is likely some Chris Dave influence in his playing as well as many others; it’s obvious that he is well-studied.

• I could have gone for a little bit more variety in the song selection on the album and the album is at some points a little raw but this is to be expected of something entitled a “session” which leads you to believe it was just one session and one take on each tune. Overall the album accomplishes what it sets forward to do which is get you moving and displays this bands chemistry and capabilities very well. Very much looking forward to things to come with Butcher Brown!

Overall score: 7.7/10

Max

• Camden Session is a groovy mini, EP-like recording that will certainly make your head move up-and-down more than once. The musical pockets are deep, and the groove is well-sustained throughout. A number of neat, yet simplified compositional techniques are used and each song’s groove continually evolves on each track. A number of influences including Weather Report and Herbie Hancock seem present in this music.

• Marcus Tenney’s Trumpet and Sax performances stand out, along with Corey’s playing on drums. Morgan has a couple of great guitar solos, and DJ Harrison pulls from a number of different, experimental keyboard sounds. The Bass is consistent and constantly aids the feel. One pre-cut “in-the-moment” interlude works well, yet the first one does not seem necessary or as interesting as the 2nd (also, why not add a 3rd/4th pre-cut track in-between the other songs?) Tenney’s Trumpet sound is slightly more full and dynamic than his saxophone, yet he’s always groovy.

• Some improvisational ideas are seemingly lost or unnecessary while others are in-the-pocket as much as possible. Definitely worth a listen as the groove is what to listen for here. Butcher Brown is a group worth your attention, no doubt.

Overall score: 7.6/10