Modus Factor: The Picasso Zone

Drummer Chris Lesso forms an intriguing trio with electric trumpeter Brownman Ali and bassis Ian De Souza for some funky electronics. Much of the time, the band sounds like an updated read of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, with Ali’s horn making synthetic whacka whookas as on the upbeat “Bownian Motion” and pulsating “Jeet Kune Flow.” The team gets a bit space cadet-ish on “King Ghidorah” and the noodling “Rounded Corners ” while the vocal chants on “Afinda” and free form beat poetry on “Still I Rise” make for the Starbucks crowd. Still the deep grooves laid down by Lesso and De Souza keep your interest, and Ali never makes your mind wander. An intriguing concept that just needs a little honing in to become inspirational.

www.chrislesso.com

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