Grooves still can’t believe that the words “funky” and “jazzy” are never used to describe ’70s prog rock (ELP, Yes, King Crimson). Niacin’s (Billy Sheehan, basses; John Novello, Hammond B-3-sounding keyboards; Dennis Chambers, drums, percussion) new joint Deep (Magna Carta, MA-9048, 65:37) is of the same mind. Highlights: “Panic Button”‘s version of “Love Supreme” that ELP and the Mahavishnu Orchestra never recorded (with Novello as Emerson, Sheehan as McLaughlin), “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be”‘s Thin Lizzy-esque power ballad blooz (ex-Trapeze vox Glenn Hughes). Deep dances in ya head.
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