Galaxy Club by Ray Peterson

23 May

Written by Lee Prosser
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Angel's Kiss, is hypnotic and mellow as is "Nine Flames'; Peterson's work on bass is deep and sharp. The latter swings and picks up the pace a little more with some trumpet, courtesy of Mitch Korn and Robert DeBellis on sax.

"Mack of the Year" is so very hot and appropriate to its title. This is the one of the funkiest tracks of the CD. It's new-style funk that reaches back to the basics. Thanks to Dr. Lonnie Smith who turned it out on the organ. That instrument can make all the difference and he definitely shows us the power it holds. Peterson is heard prominently on keyboards in "Break This," and contributes well to the overall sound. DeBellis delivers a lively workout on sax. The haunting "Ocean of Stars" has a most soulful piano solo by Dr. Smith. The drummers J. T. Lewis and Robert Thomas deserve some gratitude here for some stellar rhythms.

The pensive mood in "A Man Inside Himself," comes across from Peterson and bandmates. What's interesting is that this has an almost modern country-style twang and illustrates the versatility of this ensemble. This "Surf Rider" is no typical beach music sound, but instead resembles an actual ocean scene. Dr. Smith again picks up the piano and charms us almost as much as he does on the B-3. The tropical "Leapfrog 2000" borrows from some Caribbean island sounds, while the next two "Cairo" and "Ethiopia Rock," incorporate rhythms native to the continent for which these two are named. They draw on very different sentiments, but are invigorating and enchanting in the same breath.

Throughout the disc, the "galactic" groove flows. When all is said and done, this comes out a winner, despite a few slow moments.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Ray Peterson
CD Title: Galaxy Club
Genre: Fusion
Year Released: 2000
Record Label: Galaxy07
Musicians: Ray Peterson (4, 5 & 6-string basses, Clevinger upright basses, keyboards), Othello Molineaux (alto pan), Robert DeBellis (soprano & tenor saxophones), Dr. Lonnie Smith (organ & piano), Ronnie Peterson (guitar) Mitch Korn (trumpet), Scott Burroughs (trombone), J.T. Lewis (drums), Brian Smith (drums on "Ethiopian Rock"), Lee Finkelstein (drums on "A Man Inside Himself" and "Cairo"), Robert Thomas (hand drums), Steve Wolf (drum programming), Hope DeBates (vocal on "Angels Kiss").'
Label Website: -
Rating: Five Stars