I just gotta tell somebody (musicians R U listening - or is it 2 early?)

[chaska]

I'm listening to Jennifer Batten's 'Tribal Rage' (1997). IT IS AWESOME! No wonder Jeff Beck wanted her in the band.

The only thing I know about Jennifer is that she did that tour with Michael Jackson. I saw her on TV and thought she was pretty lame. But it's been quite a while since then. And this stuff is just fantastic.

I'm really impressed with two things:

1) how original it is. Sure, you hear some influence: Weather Report, Holdsworth, Steve Vai (yuk), King Crimson. But I'm very happy with what a strong individual statement this is.

and 2) Speaking of individuality, I actually like that this isn't just a statement by one musician with backing rhythm section. THIS IS A BAND, a real honest-to-god band. They work so well together and compliment each other so well. And all are super players with strong personalities.

What's it sound like? Impossible to describe, but if you like any of the stuff that Scott Henderson has done ... well, this is much rockier and more adventureous, with little jazz influence. If you like Beck, you'll like this. But, as much as I hate to say it (because Beck is a GGOODD - 2 Gs, 2 Os and 2 Ds, twice a mere GOD), anyhow, this is better than anything Beck has done (with the possible exception of 2003's 'Jeff', which is just simply amazing) since the 'Wired' and 'Blow By Blow' days.

Get this cd.

Now I will watch this promtly fall off the page.

[chaska]

1. link below.

http://www.batten.com/

[wildhorses]

2. awesome

thanks for posting



and I know what you mean about dropping off the page
mine sink like stones too

[chaska]

3. Yeah, I'll keep bumpin' for a while. I hate to see my time wasted so.

[wildhorses]

4. I just went and edited mine

still no response



that's how it is when you're the new girl...

[chaska]

5. Michael Hedges influence too. Definitely some MH licks in there.

[chaska]

6. One last bump. For...

Jennifer (swoons).