CD Review: Neck N Neck, "All In" on Nextagem Records

Neck N Neck
Nextagem Records

CD Review: All In

Featuring:

Joe Caploe (electric vibes & percussion)
Andy Strasmich (flutes)
Rob Block (piano & guitar)
Mark London Sims(electric bass)
Leonice Shinneman (African drum set, tabla, and kanjira)


“All In” is the second release by vibraphonist/percussionist Joe Caploe’s world jazz ensemble Neck N Neck, an ensemble that dates itself back when the members attended the California Institute of the Arts together in the 80’s, and what an impressive recording it is! “All In” features Interesting compositions/arrangements with musicianship that can only be described as world-class! Players are all veterans and have played with such luminaries as Frank Zappa, Roscoe Mitchell, Don Cherry, Stevie Wonder, and Sting; as well, Neck N Neck have delivered performances at San Jose Jazz Festival, The America Festival, Iowa City Jazz Festival, and much, much more.

Each of the players in Neck N Neck is masterful. Joe Caploe’s vibraphone playing is highly skilled and he is surely a vibraphone player to listen for. He plays with great imagination and skill. Percussionist Leonice Shinneman and bassist Mark London Sims attention to groove is impeccable, and Marks modern bass tone is spot-on. You wish more bassists had this balanced and smooth of a sound. Leonice Shinneman is a percussionist of the first order, masterful. Rob Blocks piano and guitar playing (!!?) are flawless, lines well-developed, and interesting to listen to. The flute of Andy Strasmich is elegant, fantastic tone, and simply beautiful.

With this much great musicianship, you’d think the CD would devolve into a chops fest, but it is simply not the case. The ensembles musical skills are used to bring out the compositions and are used in subtle, tasteful ways, while still leaving you impressed. Not an easy feat to accomplish, for sure!

I find it difficult to single out any single track on Neck N Neck’s “All In” as each of the tracks are all excellent in their execution, but I did enjoy No Space For Space, Jacob’s Well, and Hang Time immensely. Overall, this CD is expertly produced, has interesting compositions, and features a masterful, well-rounded ensemble that is second to none. Definitely not another world music snooze/cheese fest, these guys have the musical skills and credentials to lay it down. Fans of the Repercussion Unit or maybe the Pat Metheny Group would find this an easy add to their collection. I highly recommend!