Water Streets

From maniacal to melancholy, the musical display on Lucky Henry’s new CD, “Release the Hounds” (the follow up to 2006’s “Musical Chairs”) takes the listener through a textured maze of light and color that can only be best described through music. It is an audibly orgasmic collection of tunes that is sure to please any listener fortunate enough to be within earshot.

From the opening chords of the upbeat hard bop of “Crystal Metheny” to the final whimsical closing riff of “Water Streets”, one can sense the camaraderie of Lucky Henry; for that is the essence of this truly amazing group. They are three great friends with a decades-old friendship who enjoy making great music together. To see them perform is to see old friends whose interplay with each other reaches beyond their musical conversation. There is such a connection between them that one cannot help but smile and want to be involved in it! It is this chemistry that plays such a big part of the music that this CD a must for any fan of jazz/fusion.

The seamless flowing of Rick Reynolds’ guitar work tastefully embellishes this record with phrasings and notes expertly placed throughout. The chord structures and melodies are the perfect icing on this cake. Bassist extraordinaire Greg Roth not only lends himself exceptionally to the rhythmic side of the music but also as a soloist; venturing into territory not many bass players would dare go. Finally, the dynamically ominous drumming of Donnie Morgan often takes the same turn as well by not only playing in the pocket but also by emptying out its contents! Soloing in and around the rhythm adding accents and notes that give even more flavor to this fusion soup. Each member brings an array of influences to the table and they compliment each other with such respect for their musical creation that together, they form the fourth member of Lucky Henry; the music itself. When experiencing this band, live or recorded, one realizes that these guys are so tight and play so well together that it’s as though the music continues on its own while the three of them chase each other around the staff paper like a frantically-driven team of bees constructing a hive! …Did I mention that there are only three of them?!

When speaking of great jazz/fusion artists, names like Weather Report, Return to Forever, Jeff Beck, Pat Metheny and Herbie Hancock, to name but a few, certainly come to mind. Well there’s a new name that is destined to be mentioned in that circle of greats and that name is Lucky Henry. In fact, after an LH set at a Northwest Florida spring festival in 2010, a local magazine reporter stated: “I have seen the future of fusion and its name is Lucky Henry.”

Lucky Henry is one of those few bands that have that ‘spark’, that ‘kick’, that undeniable presence about them and “Release the Hounds” is an excellent example of that. This CD is a celebration of the soul. It is a beautiful testament to the spontaneity and boundlessness of music and is a true reminder of its magic.

Steve Hall, 2012