5.01.2010

CD REVIEW: Eric Krasno "Reminisce"

Solo albums are a tricky thing to undertake as a side project. When you are one third of an acid jazz band, separating your solo music from the music you create with your band can be difficult, particularly if the music is purely instrumental . Eric Krasno makes excellent use of his solo platform to showcase his guitar playing skills and moves slightly to the left of acid jazz adding a bit of rock and blues into the mix. His instrumental version of the Beatles' "Get Back" is one of the best Beatles covers that has ever been recorded, with or without vocals, and it features some excellent saxophone parts from Ryan Zoidis (Rustic Overtones, Lettuce). Krasno also shows off his rock chops on "Manic Depression," a Jimi Hendrix cover that features guest vocals performed by Nigel Hall. Krasno's entire solo album reads much like his work with Soulive, but it's rooted by Kranso's guitar and all other parts take a welcome back seat. Eric Krasno may just have proven that he's got what it takes to rub shoulders with all the other guitar greats.