Music by Mimi Rabson

26 Sep

Written by Glenn Astarita
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Boston, Ma., performer/educator Mimi Rabson packs a wallop via her highly electrified violin jaunts. She’s classically trained, but opts for a jazz-fusion route with this release. From the CD insert photo, the artist appears to be a petite woman, yet when you hear her perform, she packs plenty of muscle and bravado amid these variegated works. During the opener titled "Violation," the violinist and her revved up rhythm section ventures into a jazz-fusion slant on free-bop, or perhaps we can call it fu-bop? Anyway, Rabson’s gut-wrenching lines are comprised of distorted, fuzz-tones. She simmers the proceedings down some on the gospel-blues number titled "Sometimes, " where organist Dennis Montgomery provides sympathetic support and a fluent solo. No doubt, the band covers quite a bit of ground, including what appears to be a loose spin on Duke Ellington’s "Caravan," with the piece titled "Craven." Rabson also delves into Hendrix-like motifs, mid-tempo swing vamps, and heavy jazz grooves featuring trombonist David Harris’ fiery soloing on "You’ve Got My Money." At the end of the day, Ms. Rabson surfaces as a formidable talent here! (Recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Mimi Rabson
CD Title: Music
Genre: Fusion
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Meemzmusic
Musicians: Mimi Rabson (electric violin), Rick McLaughlin (electric and acoustic bass), David Harris (trombone & organ - selected tracks), Dennis Montgomery III (Hammond B3 organ on selected tracks), Ricardo Manzon (percussion on track 13)
Label Website: http://www.meemzmusic.com
Rating: Three Stars